The June 5th WDDC event will be remembered as one of Apple‘s most remarkable keynotes, thanks to the unveiling of a groundbreaking new product—the Apple Vision Pro. These mixed reality glasses mark Apple’s entry into a new segment, although similar products already exist in the market. In this article, we will explore why these glasses are priced at 3,500 euros and why, despite the seemingly high cost, they offer an exceptional value proposition.
Hardware
The Apple Vision Pro boasts an impressive hardware lineup. It features integrated cameras that provide a unique augmented reality experience, allowing users to seamlessly blend digital content with their physical surroundings. By turning the digital crown, users can selectively eliminate surrounding information and focus solely on their tasks.
The aluminum body of the Apple Vision Pro incorporates a total of twelve cameras, strategically positioned on the front and below the glasses. This camera setup enables advanced interaction capabilities, including gesture recognition with hands, eye tracking, and voice control. Additionally, the device is equipped with a LiDAR scanner, facilitating precise mapping of the surrounding environment. The Vision Pro also sports a high-resolution screen, boasting an impressive 23 million pixels and delivering stunning 4K quality visuals.
To enhance the immersive experience, the glasses feature two spatial audio speakers on each side. It remains uncertain whether nearby individuals will be able to hear the audio output from the Apple Vision Pro or if it will remain isolated and personal to the wearer.
Software
The Apple Vision Pro glasses operate independently from Apple’s operating system and possess the impressive computing power of a MacBook Air. They are equipped with the advanced M2 chip and an innovative R1 chip, which work together seamlessly to deliver exceptional performance and functionality.
To ensure a comfortable user experience, the glasses are designed to be lightweight and eliminate the need for a bulky onboard battery. Instead, they are connected to an external power source or direct current, reducing heat generation and alleviating the weight burden on the wearer’s head.
Gesture recognition plays a significant role in the glasses’ interaction capabilities. Users can connect their hands to a Mac keyboard using intuitive gestures, allowing for effortless command execution. Furthermore, eye-tracking technology enables users to navigate and interact with content simply by pointing their eyes in a specific direction.
In terms of software, the Apple Vision Pro incorporates a unique blend of elements. The interface features suspended icons reminiscent of Apple Watch, creating an immersive and dynamic visual experience. The screens bear resemblance to Mac interfaces but possess the familiar touch and feel of iOS. Users have complete control over screen customization, allowing them to personalize the layout and adjust the size of various elements according to their preferences.
Why cheap?
Undeniably, the price of the Apple Vision Pro glasses is steep. However, it is important to recognize that these glasses embody the culmination and optimization of Apple’s extensive knowledge gained from years of developing operating systems across various devices like Mac, iPhone, and iPad. While the price may afford you the opportunity to purchase multiple Apple devices, it is equally true that owning just the Vision Pro glasses can provide the functionalities of several devices combined. For instance, you no longer need a Studio Display for video editing in Final Cut, as the Vision Pro offers a large screen for such tasks. Similarly, the glasses eliminate the necessity of an Apple TV when it comes to watching movies. This consolidation of functionalities extends to the iPad as well.
Furthermore, the Vision Pro glasses bring unprecedented benefits in terms of connecting with loved ones through FaceTime. The immersive experience makes it feel as though you’re having a conversation in the same room, revolutionizing the way we interact with others. It is worth noting, however, that the glasses are expected to be available for purchase only by 2024, but their impact has already positioned them as a game-changer for Apple.
In conclusion, Apple anticipates high demand for the Vision Pro glasses, and it is unlikely that there will be surplus stock. With Sony as the provider of panels, capable of supplying only around 50,000 units, it is safe to assume that Apple will easily sell half a million units on the day of its release.