After a long wait, Apple’s first crack at a virtual and augmented reality headset is finally available for purchase. The creatively named Vision Pro has launched online and in stores at a starting price of $3,499 for the base 256GB model. Those wanting more onboard storage can opt for 512GB and 1TB variants costing $3,699 and $3,899 respectively.
Before handing over the small fortune required, customers must first measure their head using their iPhone’s Face ID sensors. By slowly spinning the phone around your head, accurate measurements can be taken to ensure a tailored fit for the Vision Pro’s headbands and sealing face gasket. Apple also recommends reserving an in-store demo to experience the headset yourself before buying.
Once ordered, the Vision Pro provides a portal into spatial computing and immersive mixed reality through its slick design and cutting-edge tech. Dual 4K OLED microdisplays, precise hand tracking, spatial audio and an array of sensors pave the way for next-level apps and games. Over 600 titles are already optimized for the headset, spanning entertainment, creativity tools and productivity. Gamers can also play desktop VR titles using the Virtual Display mode.
Powering these features are Apple’s latest proprietary processors and graphics, promising performance rivalling a Mac. The lightweight, fabric-swathed headset houses over 10 cameras and sensors to map environments in 3D and enable augmented reality overlays.
Clearly, the Vision Pro is no casual gadget but rather a pricey investment aimed at early adopters. The multi-thousand dollar cost makes it unattainable for average consumers in the near term. But for those eager to dive in at the ground floor of spatial computing, Apple’s first headset attempt delivers a hint of the immersive future. It may still take a few generations before the technology and pricing evolves for the mainstream.
