Apple debuts mixed-reality ‘Vision Pro’ headset with whopping $3,499 price tag
Apple has launched its long-anticipated mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, with a price tag of $3,499, marking the company’s first major product launch in a decade. Apple CEO Tim Cook debuted the device at the tech giant’s annual Worldwide Developers conference event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California. The Vision Pro, which resembles a set of high-tech goggles, features a glass screen with 4K resolution displays for each eye on an aluminum alloy frame and has an adjustable headset and stretchable headband. Unlike a computer, Vision Pro will recognise voice commands, users’ eyes, and their hands. The headset will be available for some customers starting “early next year”. The launch was also hotly anticipated by investors; however, Apple’s stock pared its gains and turned negative as the company gave a step-by-step demonstration of the technology — a sign that investors were sceptical of what they saw.
FAQs:
What is Vision Pro?
Vision Pro is a mixed-reality headset launched by Apple that augments reality and seamlessly blends the real world with the digital world. It is Apple’s first major product launch in a decade and has a price tag of $3,499.
When will the Vision Pro be available?
The Vision Pro will be available for some customers starting “early next year”.
How will users interact with the Vision Pro?
Unlike a computer, Vision Pro will recognise voice commands, users’ eyes, and their hands. A small dial included on the headset allows users to adjust how much their apps are visible relative to their real-world surroundings.
What are the potential uses of Vision Pro?
Vision Pro has various potential uses, from simple web browsing and text messaging to playing video games, attending business meetings, and watching movies in an immersive virtual environment, such as a lakeside forest.
What is the compatibility of Vision Pro with pre-existing Apple apps?
Apple said the headset is compatible with the company’s pre-existing apps, including Messages, Safari, AppleTV+, and FaceTime, as well as third-party offerings available through the App Store.
What are the updates included in Apple’s iOS 17 software?
Apple detailed various updates included in its iOS 17 software, such as real-time transcriptions of live voicemails, a “check-in” feature through its Messages app that lets users tell their loved ones when they arrive home safely, and the ability to leave “voicemails” in the FaceTime app.
How does Vision Pro differ from other mixed-reality headsets?
Compared to Meta Quest 3, Apple’s Vision Pro is much pricier and is not compatible with a controller. The Quest 3, set for release this fall, starts at just $499, while the Vision Pro will cost $3,499.
Apple introduces ‘Vision Pro’ mixed-reality headset priced at a whopping $3,499.
Apple has unveiled its highly anticipated mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, with a price tag of $3,499, marking the tech giant’s first major product launch in a decade. Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced the device during the company’s Worldwide Developers conference in Cupertino, California, describing it as a computer that seamlessly blends the real world with the digital world. The headset features a glass screen with 4K resolution displays for each eye on an aluminum frame, allowing users to interact with their virtual displays through voice commands, eyes, and hands. The device won’t require a mouse or keyboard, and a small dial allows users to adjust how much their apps are visible relative to their real-world surroundings. Disney CEO Bob Iger made a surprise appearance during the presentation, calling the product one that “allows us to bring Disney to our fans in ways that were previously impossible.” The headset will be available for some customers starting “early next year,” and it is compatible with Apple’s pre-existing apps, including Messages, Safari, AppleTV+, and FaceTime, as well as third-party offerings available through the App Store. The event also featured updates to Apple’s iOS 17 software, including real-time transcriptions of live voicemails and a “check-in” feature through its Messages app that lets users tell their loved ones when they arrive home safely.