In a major hardware launch, Apple has finally revealed its much-anticipated augmented reality headset, Apple Vision Pro, marking its first significant product release in nearly a decade. Apple CEO Tim Cook described the new headset as a revolutionary device that seamlessly combines the real world with the virtual world.
Alongside the augmented reality headset, Apple also announced its latest iPhone operating system, as well as updates to the MacBook Air. The Apple Vision Pro boasts a two-hour battery life and will be available for $3,499 (£2,849) when it hits the market early next year in the United States. This price point is considerably higher than that of current virtual reality headsets, with Meta’s Quest priced at $449.
During the announcement, Apple provided minimal details about generative artificial intelligence, a trending technology in Silicon Valley. The company’s share price experienced a slight decline as the announcement took place at a developer’s conference held at Apple Park, the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.
The Apple Vision Pro stands out from similar headsets on the market, resembling ski goggles rather than a traditional virtual reality device. Apple has specifically used the term “augmented reality” to describe the capabilities of the new device. Augmented reality, also known as mixed reality, overlays virtual objects onto the real world, enabling users to blend reality with virtual content by looking through a screen.
According to Tim Cook, the headset allows users to perceive, hear, and interact with digital content as if it were part of their physical environment. Control of the Apple Vision Pro involves a combination of hand gestures, eye movements, and voice commands, such as tapping fingers together for selection and flicking them to scroll.
The announcement comes shortly after Meta and Lenovo unveiled updated versions of their existing virtual reality headsets, which do not superimpose objects onto the real world view. Meta has also heavily invested in mixed reality; however, the sector currently faces challenges. The global sales of headsets experienced a significant 54% decline last year, as reported by the International Data Corporation.
Apple’s last notable hardware release was the Apple Watch in 2015. In addition to the Apple Vision Pro, the company also introduced iOS 17, the latest iteration of its iPhone operating system. Notable updates include features like “contact posters,” where users can have a personalized image displayed on the recipient’s phone when making a call, and “live voicemail,” which provides real-time transcriptions of voicemail messages. Furthermore, a new system called Check-In has been introduced, automatically notifying friends or family when the user arrives home and notifying them if there are significant delays on the journey.
The iOS 17 operating system is set to be available in autumn 2023, promising exciting advancements and enhanced user experiences for Apple device users.
