Apple has announced its new mixed reality headset, called Apple Vision, which is set to be released in early 2024 with a price tag of $3,499. The author had the opportunity to try out the headset and found the experience to be extraordinary, exceeding their expectations. The Vision headset combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, providing a high-resolution and immersive experience. The device utilizes Apple's R1 processor and real-time execution engine to deliver fast and seamless visuals. The author believes that the Vision headset has the potential to replace traditional computing devices like the Mac and iPad, particularly for productivity and consumption purposes. However, the author also raises concerns about the solitary nature of the device and its potential impact on social connectedness.
The main topic is Apple's new mixed reality headset called Vision. The key points are:
1. The Vision headset is a combination of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
2. The hardware and experience of the Vision headset exceeded expectations.
3. The headset utilizes advanced technology, including eye tracking and a real-time execution engine.
4. The Vision Pro has the potential to replace traditional devices like the Mac and iPad.
5. The societal impacts of the Vision headset are complex, with concerns about isolation and loneliness.
Apple's recent product launch event focused on the new iPhone and other devices, leaving little information about the upcoming Vision Pro headsets, which are promised to be a leap forward in technology but won't be available until early next year.
Apple has reportedly canceled plans to produce a lower-cost version of the Apple Vision Pro headset, potentially affecting shipment growth in 2025, but a second-generation version is expected to go into production by the first half of 2027.
Apple announced its own mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, during the World Wide Developer Conference, featuring sleek aesthetics, a custom operating system, spatial software, and a high price tag of $3,499.
Meta has confirmed that the Quest 3 mixed reality VR headset will be released on October 10th, with preorders available now for two storage capacities and various accessories.
Apple is reportedly considering making its future virtual reality headset smaller and lighter, with the ability to customize each unit for people with impaired vision.
Apple is working on making its next generation Vision Pro headset lighter, as weight and prescription lenses are concerns for the company, according to Mark Gurman's newsletter. The current headset weighs about a pound and Apple wants to reduce the weight and make it slightly smaller, while also considering the option of shipping headsets with pre-installed custom lenses. The Apple Glasses project, which was reportedly put on hold, is expected to be resumed at some point.
The Meta Quest 3 and Apple's Vision Pro are mixed reality headsets with significantly different price points and target audiences, but while Meta dominates the market in terms of market share, Apple's entry into the space has garnered considerable attention and increased competition.
Apple's second-generation Vision Pro headset is focusing on reducing size and weight, as well as improving user experience for those who need prescription lenses, with considerations for simpler purchases and direct lens installation, but the product is not expected until 2025 to 2027.
Apple is already working on a next-generation version of its Vision Pro headset to address early complaints about the first-generation model, including reducing its weight and considering built-in prescription lenses.
Apple is considering releasing a cheaper version of its Vision Pro headset, which may have fewer external cameras, no EyeSight feature, and an iPhone chip instead of the current Mac chip, with the aim of reducing the cost to between $1,500 and $2,500.
Apple's upcoming low-cost variant of the Vision Pro headset is expected to omit features like EyeSight and an M-series chip, while also reducing the number of cameras and sensors, in order to lower the price to around $1,500 to $2,500.
Apple's upcoming more affordable version of the Vision Pro AR/VR headset will omit the EyeSight functionality to bring down cost, aiming for a price tag of $1,500-2,500, while other upcoming Apple products such as MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, and iPads with new features are in development.
Apple's lower-cost model of the Vision Pro headset could be priced between $1,500 to $2,500, still more expensive than its rivals, but Apple plans to use lower-resolution displays and an iPhone processor to bring down the cost, according to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman.
Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset is expected to be an advanced and high-tech device, but its hefty price tag of $3,500 could limit its reach and repeat the same mistake as the expensive original HomePod, leaving customers with the choice of a costly device or no product at all.
Apple is hosting a training event in early 2024 for select retail store employees to learn about the Vision Pro headset before its launch, with the attendees expected to provide training and support to their colleagues upon returning to their home stores.
Apple is reportedly considering using its upcoming Vision Pro augmented reality headset to diagnose and treat mental illness, utilizing its array of sensors and cameras to measure users' emotions and stress levels, and potentially displaying images and sounds to alleviate those conditions.
