Apple announced on Monday that its $3,499 Vision Pro headset will be available in the United States on February 2, with pre-orders beginning on January 19. CEO Tim Cook described it as “the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created”
The headset, which was first revealed in June during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, provides each eye with an ultra-high-resolution display with more pixels than a 4K TV, according to the company, and users can switch between augmented and virtual reality using a slider on the side of the headset.
Users can control the headset with their eyes, hands, and voice, for example, by tapping their fingers to pick objects while using an app.
Vision Pro is powered by visionOS, an operating system based on the systems that power Apple’s other products, giving users access to over one million iPhone and iPad apps, as well as the headset’s own App Store.
The headset has 256 GB of storage and a dual-chip design with Apple’s custom M2 chip and its new R1 chip, which “processes input from 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones,” to make video appear realistic, according to Apple.
Prescription lenses from Zeiss for the headset cost an additional $149, and readers cost an additional $99.
The headset includes Apple’s new identification system, Optic ID, which scans a user’s iris to unlock the device and perform other functions; however, Apple states that eye tracking data is not shared with itself or third parties.
Key Features
Dual-chip architecture: Vision Pro boasts a revolutionary dual-chip design, combining the powerhouse Apple M2 CPU with a dedicated R1 chip for graphics processing. This powerful partnership unlocks stunning visuals, smooth performance, and unparalleled responsiveness in even the most demanding scenarios.
Breakthrough displays: Immerse yourself in high-resolution visuals thanks to dual micro-OLED displays boasting a combined resolution of 4800 x 2400 pixels. Expect vivid colors, exceptional clarity, and a 120Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth visuals.
Eye tracking and hand gestures: Control the digital world with the power of your gaze and your hands. Vision Pro’s sophisticated eye-tracking system precisely interprets your focus, enabling intuitive selection and manipulation of virtual objects. Combined with advanced hand gesture recognition, you can navigate menus, interact with apps, and even express yourself in virtual spaces with natural gestures.
