forget the helmet, Apple formalizes a space computer

Finally ! After years of rumors, Apple has just formalized its mixed reality headset. The announcement of the Vision Pro makes this WWDC 2023 already historic, adding a new key date in Apple’s history. Years after the Mac, iPod and iPhone, this headset is the Californian giant’s long-awaited new “revolution”.

All eyes were on Cupertino on Monday June 5 to find out. Tim Cook says that the firm has been working on augmented reality for years and unveils the Vision Pro.

Son design

A short video allows you to discover the first helmet of the Cupertino company. In line with expectations, the sensor-clad helmet opts for rounded lines and fabric to improve comfort. Its digital crown, placed on the top of the helmet, recalls that of the Apple Watch.

Note that your eyes can remain visible, Apple betting for this on a function called EyeSight. The screen of the helmet is indeed able to display your eyes if necessary, when someone approaches for example.

Apple alludes to the presence of strong and light materials, with years of research to create the headset. The Vision Pro uses glass in the front while its frame is aluminum. As mentioned above, the back is made of fabric to make the helmet more comfortable. The latter is also designed for spectacle wearers and provides correction for the eyes. The apple brand has collaborated with Zeiss to make this possible.

His characteristics

Top of the range, the helmet displays impressive characteristics. We are in the presence of two microOLED screens offering 23 million pixels, more than a 4K definition for each eye. Apple takes care of the display quality by adding a three-element lens in front of the panels. This should help make the text perfectly visible.

Unsurprisingly, the helmet multiplies the sensors and cameras. Inside, it relies on Apple Silicon chips like the Apple M2 and an R1 chip. The former has proven itself as a powerful chip that does not heat up excessively, while the R1 chip takes care of sensors, cameras and microphones. Apple promises low latency thanks to this latest chip: less than 12 ms.

Present in the field of audio, Apple also offers audio spatial sound via its headphones with the ability to adjust the sound according to the room. But how does Apple manage to make its headphones transparent? The manufacturer adds two OLED screens on the outside to guarantee this transparency effect.

Regarding autonomy, it is possible to associate the helmet with an external battery for two hours of autonomy. Apple avoids wearing an accumulator on the face, which would have made its helmet more uncomfortable.

Its software

Even more than the data sheet, it is the operating system that must convince. Apple has always made the user experience a priority, this Vision Peo is no exception to the rule. It embeds a new OS entirely dedicated to the Californian firm’s AR/VR products.

The interface is fully integrated into the brand’s ecosystem, now in 3D. Called visionOS, this new operating system shares similarities with macOS or iOS. The demonstration shows the presence of the main Apple services, starting with the App Store. The headset also gives access to services such as Apple TV, Music, Photos, Mail, Messages or the Safari browser.

The headset is intended to be versatile, offering the possibility of working, carrying out videoconferences or for leisure (3D films, Apple Arcade, etc.). Input is done using the hands, eyes or voice. You can bring up a virtual keyboard to display a real virtual desktop via the headset. Apple still leaves the possibility of connecting a real keyboard and trackpad via Bluetooth.

Just look to an icon and tap with your fingers to select it. It is also possible to challenge the Siri assistant with the voice. In addition, the Vision Pro is capable of recording a video at any time, using a dedicated button. In order to protect privacy, the wearer’s eyes will be visible to signal that they are filming.

In terms of interactions, Apple mentions the possibility of displaying the screen of his Mac anywhere after having simply looked at his Mac. The display is then in 4K.

From its launch, the Apple headset will benefit from partnerships with Disney+ or National Geographic to offer suitable content.

His price

Apple’s Vision Pro headset will cost $3,499 and we’re expecting its Euro price tag. We will update this article as soon as we have the information.

Apple says it will be available in early 2024 in the United States. The Vision Pro will also arrive in other countries “later next year”.