Introduction:
The Apple Vision Pro Headset emerges as a formidable contender in the realm of mixed-reality headsets, crafted meticulously under the auspices of Apple Inc. Unveiled with great anticipation on June 5, 2023. During the prestigious Apple Worldwide Developers Conference; it promptly stirred the tech landscape. Pre-orders, igniting fervent anticipation, commenced on January 19, 2024. The dawn of February 2, 2024, marked its official arrival for purchase, albeit initially confined to the United States. A global rollout, eagerly awaited, still waits scheduling. Notably, the Vision Pro stands as Apple’s inaugural foray into a groundbreaking product category since the groundbreaking Apple Watch debut in 2015.
Apple strategically positions the Apple Vision Pro Headset as a cutting-edge “spatial computer,” seamlessly blending digital media into tangible reality. Anchored in sophisticated technology, the device embraces physical inputs like motion gestures, eye tracking, and speech recognition. Fostering intuitive interaction within its ecosystem. Notably, Apple steers clear of categorizing the device as a mere virtual reality headset, eschewing conventional labels like “virtual reality” and “augmented reality” in its promotional discourse and marketing endeavors, thereby setting a distinctive tone in its portrayal of the product.
What is Vision Pro?
The Apple Vision Pro Headset features a curved laminated glass display, an aluminum frame, a flexible cushion, and a removable headband. Its frame houses five sensors, six microphones, and 12 cameras. Users experience high-resolution micro-OLED displays, totaling 23 megapixels, usually operating at 90 FPS but adjusting to 96 or 100 FPS as needed. An eye-tracking system with LEDs and infrared cameras facilitates Optic ID authentication. Custom optical inserts for prescription glasses are magnetically attachable. Speakers within the headband offer virtualized surround sound. During ordering, facial scanning via Face ID on iPhone or iPad ensures a personalized fit, available through the Apple Store app or in-store.
The Vision Pro harnesses the formidable power of the Apple M2 system on a chip. Augmented by the specialized Apple R1 co-processor designed for swift real-time sensor input processing. Offering versatility, the device is available in three internal storage configurations: 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB, catering to varied user needs. It draws power from multiple sources, including an external power supply. A USB-C port on a Mac, or a battery pack capable of sustaining operation for two and a half hours. Notably, the battery pack interfaces with the headset via an unremovable 12-pin locking variant of the Lightning connector, ensuring seamless connectivity and uninterrupted usage.
During setup, the headset scans the user’s face to create a realistic avatar for OS features. “EyeSight” is a standout feature that displays the user’s persona’s eyes on an outward-facing display. In AR mode, the eyes dim to show environmental awareness, and in full immersion, they’re obscured. When someone approaches or speaks, EyeSight shows their persona’s virtual eyes and makes the other person visible, facilitating natural interaction.
Software:
The Apple Vision Pro operates on visionOS, previously known as xrOS before a eleventh-hour alteration prior to WWDC. Predominantly crafted from the foundational frameworks of iOS, encompassing UIKit, SwiftUI, and ARKit. Additionally, it incorporates specialized MR frameworks tailored for foveated rendering and real-time interaction. Ensuring optimal performance and immersive user experiences within the mixed reality domain.
The operating system employs an intricate 3D user interface, navigable through finger tracking, eye tracking, and speech recognition technologies. Users engage with elements by focusing their gaze and pinching two fingers together to select, manipulate them by moving their pinched fingers, and scroll through content by flicking their wrist. Also Apps are presented in floating windows, offering dynamic arrangement within a three-dimensional spatial context. VisionOS integrates a virtual keyboard for text input, seamless access to the Siri virtual assistant. And compatibility with external Bluetooth peripherals such as the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and various gamepads. Furthermore, visionOS facilitates screen mirroring to other Apple devices via AirPlay, enhancing connectivity and versatility across the ecosystem.
