The initial development of the iPhone took approximately 2.5 years, whereas the latest Apple Vision Pro required over 5 years to be developed. Tim Cook has shared his belief in an upcoming era of computing. This new era involves a device that eliminates the necessity for laptops or desktop computers. Traditionally, we used to carry mobile phones in our pockets and interact with them using our hands. However, Apple envisions a future where the device you wear will take precedence, and that device is none other than the Apple Vision Pro.
What is Apple Vision Pro?
This is a headset that allows you to enter a Virtual Environment when you wear it. But here’s a question: Virtual Reality headsets already existed, meaning a few years ago, you could enjoy VR by connecting your phone to a headset or you can use headsets like Oculus or Meta that are available in the market. So, what’s the difference between Apple Vision Pro and other VR headsets? Well, here Apple is trying to hit two targets with one arrow. Apple is attempting to combine both AR and VR in a single headset.
If we talk about Apple Vision Pro, you will get two separate screens with a combined resolution of 23 million pixels. This resolution exceeds that of a normal 4K display. Additionally, there is also another display in front of headset. Apple has made an effort to provide not only the virtual environment but also to keep you connected to your present environment. For this purpose, they have integrated multiple cameras.
If I focus solely on the headset, there are multiple cameras and special sensors located on the front. Additionally, even inside the headset, Apple has incorporated cameras and special sensors to effectively track your eyes.
If you wear the Apple Vision Pro headset, it will create an impression that you can see the outside world while also performing tasks within the headset. Furthermore, if you need to see the person in front of you, they will be able to see your eyes as well. For example, imagine you are in a virtual world, and someone approaches you to have a conversation. The headset will automatically recognize this and enable a mode where you can interact with the person easily, without having to take off the headset. This allows for seamless conversations and eliminates the need to remove the headset.
Vision OS & Apps
Apple’s Vision Pro runs on Vision OS, a special operating system developed by Apple. It creates a virtual environment around you, allowing you to interact within it. You can use iPhone apps, Mac apps, and iPad apps here. In fact, you can even enjoy a theater-like experience on a large screen comfortably from your home or anywhere else. Additionally, if you’re going to watch a sports match, you can see the entire environment within the match, observing what’s happening from all sides.
Apple has introduced a solution to perform real-world tasks within this virtual environment. For example, they have mentioned that Vision Pro can make FaceTime calls, but how is that possible? Well, the solution they have provided is to place a headset in front of you so that it can scan your face. It will then create a digital avatar that resembles you, allowing you to communicate in FaceTime calls. I know it sounds very futuristic.
They have developed Vision OS using a similar approach to Apple’s other operating systems like iPadOS, iOS, and macOS. It is an extended version specifically designed for this device. It has been revealed that Vision OS will have its own app store where users can download apps. Disney has also confirmed that they are already working on apps and exclusive content for this headset. This means that when Vision Pro is released in the market, there will already be a wide range of content available for users to explore.
How to Control Apple Vision Pro?
Apple has provided a few methods to control Vision Pro:
- You can interact with it by speaking, similar to how you interact with Siri.
- The system will track your eyes and analyze where you want to focus, and it will present that particular object or area in front of you.
- It will also track your hand gestures, allowing you to navigate within the user interface. Apple has designed the sensors in such a way that they can determine what you are clicking on in the virtual world. Additionally, they have implemented AI technology to ensure that accidental hand gestures are not detected.
Just like the Face ID feature on the iPhone, this device also has Optic ID, which scans your eyes. This ensures that if someone else wears the headset without your presence, they won’t be able to access your personal information.
3D Recording
You can create memories or anything else within this virtual environment. For example, if you want to record something in the present moment, instead of holding up a mobile device, you can wear this device and record while freely moving around in all directions.
These memories are captured within a 3D space, and you can view them within the virtual environment by wearing the device. Essentially, it works just like you may have seen in a Hollywood film, where wearing a headset transports you to a different world or makes nonexistent objects appear in front of you. Apple has attempted to implement that futuristic concept right here.
Apple M2 Chip & R1 Chip
The processor used in this device is the M2 chip, which is also found in Apple’s MacBook. It utilizes the M2 chip for processing, and the graphics displayed on the screen are rendered by Apple’s new R1 chip. However, this product has been designed in such a way that it remains thin, slim, and lightweight, ensuring that users don’t face difficulties while wearing it.
Additional Battery Pack
They have also introduced an additional battery pack that can magnetically attach to your headset, providing an extra two hours of usage time. This is particularly useful for prolonged usage.
What if You Wear Glasses?
Well, Zeiss has designed special lenses that can be customized according to your eye prescription. These lenses will be integrated into the headset, eliminating the need for wearing separate glasses while using it in a normal environment.
Apple is Not First
Apple is not the first company to do all this. Before this, there were VR headsets, and Microsoft created its AR HoloLens. There’s also a company called Xreal, previously known as Nreal, which has its own AR glasses. And if we look at it, these things have always existed. Even Meta (formerly Facebook) has been working on the entire metaverse concept. But the question arises, what problem does this solve? What is the need for people to adopt this technology?
AR & VR Uses
I understand that the VR and AR industries are thriving, but from what I have observed here, the use of AR and VR is mainly seen in corporates, enterprises, and the design field, rather than at the consumer level. For example, people use VR headsets for vehicle and car designing before actually building them. HoloLens is also used in various industries. Microsoft, for instance, produces such products on an order basis for companies that require them. However, at the consumer level, these technologies haven’t been as successful. It remains to be seen whether Apple can make it work or not.
Price & Availability
Its price has only been mentioned for the USA, which is $3499. And it is expected to be available in the market early next year, in 2024. This means that Apple’s product is not yet ready for the market. Mass production has not started, and if it had, Apple would have showcased it here.
