Apple Vision Pro, Apple’s expensive virtual reality headset, will be available to pre-order in the UK from June 28.
“The enthusiasm for Apple Vision Pro has been extraordinary, and we are thrilled to introduce the magic of spatial computing to more customers around the world,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
“We can’t wait for more people to see the impossible become possible, whether working and collaborating with an infinite canvas for apps, reliving treasured memories in three dimensions, watching TV shows and movies in a one-of-a-kind personal cinema, or enjoying brand-new spatial experiences that defy imagination.”
Apple Vision Pro seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world and unlocks powerful spatial experiences in visionOS, controlled by the most natural and intuitive inputs possible — a user’s eyes, hands, and voice.
An all-new App Store provides users with access to more than 1 million compatible apps across iOS and iPadOS, as well as more than 600 new experiences that take advantage of the unique capabilities of Vision Pro.
With visionOS 2, available as a free software update this autumn, all Apple Vision Pro users will gain access to even more features that enhance how they engage with spatial computing, including a powerful way to transform photos into 3D memories; intuitive hand gestures to easily access the Home View and important information at a glance; new capabilities for Mac Virtual Display, Travel Mode, and Guest User; enhancements to Mindfulness, Safari, and the Apple TV app; and much more.
The headset itself looks like a pair of designer ski goggles. It features a soft adjustable strap on the top, a “digital crown” on the back — a bigger version than what you’d find on an Apple Watch — and another digital crown on the top that serves as a kind of home button.
The setup process is first. The headset tracks the eyes, scan hands and maps the room. Users will then see an iOS-like interface placed in front of their environment.
By using eye movements and touching the thumb and pointer finger together, it activates a “select” button, allowing people to seamlessly go in and out of apps, such as Messages, FaceTime, Safari and Photos. The interface also responds to voice to activate Siri.
Photos can be viewed at life size or as if you’re watching them on a giant movie screen. Panoramics, meanwhile, place you directly within the scene. Vision Pro also offers a spatial photo option, which lets users view images and videos in 3D for an even more life-like experience.
Use cases for the Vision Pro vary from cooking and meditating to working. Users can sync up their Mac computer to turn the screen into an enormous display and connect a physical keyboard.
To maximize productivity, it’s possible to have several windows open at once: Email can be kept on one side, a Safari browser opened perhaps in the middle and a FaceTime call on the right. If a user is wearing Vision Pro while on FaceTime, they appear as a Persona, or an avatar-like digital representation of their face.
Apple has taken steps to reduce the motion sickness problem that has plagued other headsets, thanks to a custom chip that cuts down on the latency issue found in similar products. Vision Pro includes surround sound, with audio pods that sit outside the ears to deliver rich immersive audio.
The Apple Vision Pro comes with a hefty price tag. Headsets start at £3,499 for 256 gigabytes of storage.
Apple Vision Pro comes with a Solo Knit Band, a Dual Loop Band, a personalised Light Seal with two Light Seal Cushions, an Apple Vision Pro Cover, Polishing Cloth, Battery, USB-C Charge Cable, and USB-C Power Adapter.
Customers who require vision inserts may have to pay more, while ZEISS Optical Inserts for “Readers” cost an additional £99, while prescription inserts for the headset cost £149.
In normal Apple fashion, customers are also encouraged to purchase AppleCare+ coverage, which protects their headset for unlimited repairs and accidental damage protection for two years. It costs £499 or £24.99 a month.
When purchasing the device online, Apple asks users to use an iPhone or iPad to measure their head with Face ID, so the headset can be fitted with the correct sized bands.
Apple Vision Pro will be available at all Apple Store locations in China mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the U.K., and the U.S., and the Apple Store online, starting at £3,499, with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities.
Customers in China mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore will be able to pre-order Apple Vision Pro beginning Thursday, June 13, at 6 p.m. PT, with availability beginning Friday, June 28.
Customers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the U.K. will be able to pre-order Apple Vision Pro beginning Friday, June 28, at 5 a.m. PT, with availability beginning Friday, July 12.
