Apple’s latest innovation, the Vision Pro, has officially hit the market, drawing technology enthusiasts and Apple aficionados to queue up at the tech giant’s US stores. The Vision Pro, a groundbreaking mixed reality headset priced at $3499, marks Apple’s most significant product launch since the Apple Watch nearly a decade ago.
This helmet is the first major new product launched by Apple since the Apple Watch. (Photo by David SWANSON / AFP)
The device, blending augmented and virtual reality, has already sparked interest among early adopters like José Carlos, an engineer at Uber. Carlos, eager to explore the headset’s potential applications, remarks on its hefty price tag but considers it a worthy investment for the sake of innovation.
What a thrilling morning celebrating the launch of Apple Vision Pro at Apple Fifth Avenue! The era of spatial computing has arrived! pic.twitter.com/47GB9TjPof
— Apple Vision Pro News (@AppleVisionPro) February 2, 2024
Apple CEO Tim Cook has touted the Vision Pro as a revolutionary product, far ahead of its competitors. Despite the existing market for augmented and virtual reality devices—significantly propelled by Meta with its Quest headsets and Ray-Ban smart glasses—Apple’s foray into this space has been highly anticipated due to its reputation for launching cutting-edge technology that sets industry standards.
At a New York Apple store event, Cook greeted the first customers with enthusiasm, asserting that the Vision Pro represents “tomorrow’s technology today” and defends its pricing as fair for the current market.
First-Timer | Apple Vision Pro pic.twitter.com/utihNaUivl
— Apple Vision Pro News (@AppleVisionPro) February 2, 2024
Initial reactions to the Vision Pro have been mixed. Some reviewers praise its impressive image quality and user-friendly interface, allowing for intuitive application control. However, criticisms have been raised regarding the headset’s bulky battery unit and the “personas” feature, which offers bizarrely realistic avatars for video conferencing.
Apple positions the Vision Pro as its initial step into “spatial computing,” enabling users to interact with virtual screens for work, communication, and entertainment. Despite initial skepticism over the limited number of available apps, Apple has announced the platform now supports over 600 applications, promising a transformative experience in entertainment, music, and gaming.
While major platforms like Netflix and YouTube have yet to develop Vision Pro-specific apps, Disney has embraced the technology by offering 150 3D movies at launch.
Get to know Settings on Apple Vision Pro. pic.twitter.com/1YQARGypBh
— Apple Vision Pro News (@AppleVisionPro) February 2, 2024
Analysts from Wedbush Securities project Apple will sell around 600,000 units of the Vision Pro this year. Dan Ives, a research expert at Wedbush, views this as just the beginning for Vision Pro, anticipating more affordable models in the future that could resemble sunglasses and offer a wider range of functionalities.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Product | Apple Vision Pro |
| Type | Mixed Reality Headset |
| Price | $3499 |
| Launch Date | Since the Apple Watch (9 years ago) |
| Market Reaction | Mixed, with enthusiasm for innovation but concerns over price and design |
| CEO’s Statement | Tim Cook calls it revolutionary, “tomorrow’s technology today” |
| Initial Applications | Over 600, with notable absence from Netflix and YouTube |
| Sales Projection | 600,000 units in the first year |
| Future Predictions | More affordable models resembling sunglasses with broader functionalities |
The Vision Pro by Apple not only represents a significant leap into the future of mixed reality but also highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to pioneering technology that can reshape our digital interactions. With its high entry price and ambitious vision, the headset sets the stage for what could become the new standard in immersive technology experiences.
