Described by CEO Tim Cook as “the first Apple product you haven’t looked at,” the device looks like a ski goggle and aims to revolutionize the way we interact with technology.

What is known about the Apple Vision Pro

As he reported 24 Channels, the headset is equipped with a separate battery and offers control with eye movements, hand gestures and voice commands. Priced at $3,499, it’s scheduled to launch early next year, first in the US and later in other countries.

Apple Vision Pro / Photo by Apple

The Vision Pro’s main function is augmented reality, but it also has the ability to seamlessly switch between augmented and full virtual reality modes with the help of a dial.

The device does not require a controller and allows users to navigate rows of app icons using their gaze in an operating system called visionOS. Selections can be made by tapping and swiping, and voice commands are also available.

In addition, the headset supports Bluetooth accessories such as the Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad, allowing users to connect Mac devices for use with the headset. Down-facing cameras capture users’ hand movements even when in a low position.

Location of cameras / Photo Apple

Vision Pro has an elegant design with a glass front panel and aluminum frame. It is equipped with five sensors, 12 cameras and a 4K display for each eye. The device also has a cooling fan.

Apple has paid special attention to wearer comfort by offering a fabric-lined modular mask called the Light Seal and a ribbed Headband that secures to the back of the head. These components can be bent to fit different face shapes and head sizes, and users have the ability to change the sizes and styles of headbands.

To meet the needs of eyeglass wearers, Apple, in collaboration with Zeiss, has created custom optics that attach to lenses using magnets.

Vision Pro technical details

The Vision Pro comes with an external battery that can be easily connected via a flexible braided cable that provides up to two hours of use and allows it to be carried in your pocket. Additionally, users can plug it into an external power source for all-day use. Apple promises an unprecedentedly clear display capable of playing 4K video.

Alongside the M2 chip, the device is powered by a new chip called R1 that improves the overall performance of the Vision Pro.

Gadget received an M2 processor / Photo by Apple

Contrary to fears of isolation, Apple assures users that they will stay connected to the world around them.

• Thanks to the EyeSight system, the headset shows the wearer’s eyes to others, keeping social interaction natural.
• In full virtual reality mode, a glowing screen indicates inaccessibility by closing the eyes. In addition, the device creates a hyper-realistic digital personality by scanning the user’s face.
• Using end-to-end video technology, users can see the real world in full color by projecting 3D objects around them. This includes the ability to extract objects from messages and bring them into the real world.
• Spatial audio during remote calls allows users to embed FaceTime participants as video tiles in their environment.
• In addition, Vision Pro offers the ability to capture and “experience” 180-degree video using the built-in 3D camera with headphones attached.

Apple Vision Pro presentation: watch the video

Despite entering the market not yet fully developed, the device received positive reviews from industry experts. Its main rival is expected to be the Meta, which enjoyed relative success with its Quest 2 gaming headset, but with a more mixed response to its Quest Pro all-in-one headset.