If you’re considering buying the Apple Vision Pro you’ll have to pony up an eye-watering $3,499 and already own an iPhone or iPad. This makes it five times as expensive as its closest competitor, the Meta Quest 3 – so is the Vision Pro going to be worth it?
Apple’s first attempt at an extended reality (XR) headset is slated to arrive in stores across the US beginning February 2, with pre-orders open now. The hype for this product is sky-high and several gadget reviewers’ first impressions suggest the product is an impressive step forward in XR technology.
Therefore, if you’re just looking to experience augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) for the first time, cheaper options that are already on the market are likely a better bet. But if you want to experience the best that XR has to offer, then it may be worth considering the Apple Vision Pro.
Whether you’re considering buying the headset for working, watching movies, gaming, or other XR escapades, we’re here to help you decide if it’s going to be worth your hard-earned cash.
Content
- What is the Apple Vision Pro?
- Can I use the Apple Vision Pro for work?
- What is it like watching movies and videos?
- What games will be on the Apple Vision Pro?
- What do the experts think of the headset?
- Is the Apple Vision Pro meant for kids?
- Should I buy the Apple Vision Pro?
- Should I wait for the Apple Vision Pro 2?
The Apple Vision Pro was introduced to the world back in June 2023.
What is the Apple Vision Pro?
The Apple Vision Pro, branded as a ‘spatial computer,’ is a standalone product – similar to the HTC Vive Focus 3 and Quest headsets – meaning it will not require a computer to operate.
The lenses will give each eye “more pixels than a 4K TV” to look at, the headset has speakers built in, and it’s strapped with Apple’s new R1 chip.
Thanks to the five sensors and 12 cameras on board, the headset doesn’t require any controllers for you to interact with what’s on screen. Instead, you navigate menus and experiences using eye and hand tracking. You simply have to look at something to highlight it then click by pressing your thumb and finger together – pretty impressive tech!
Its ‘stereo color passthrough mode’ – when you see the real world through the headset along with digital apps and content – is rumored to be the best on the market. While in passthrough, the outside OLED screen streams what your eyes look like to the cameras inside the headset. Experts have claimed this mode is on “another planet” compared to other options available.
We’re yet to experience everything this device can do. But we do know the Apple Vision Pro is packing some serious heat, with its onboard hardware setting a new standard for future generations of XR headsets. And for that reason, the headset warrants a high price tag – never-seen-before tech isn’t cheap.
When in passthrough mode, others will see your eyes. Image credit:
Apple
Can I use the Apple Vision Pro for work?
A big selling point for the Apple Vision Pro is how it may benefit people wanting to work in mixed reality – a selling point that Meta also honed in on for its Quest 3 launch.
The Apple Vision Pro’s operating system, visionOS, will let you bring up virtual displays at any scale to create the ultimate multitasking experience. This is a feature available natively on the Quest headsets, as well as through third-party apps like Virtual Desktop.
Apple is opting for realism when co-working with others, compared to Meta’s cartoonish Horizon Worlds. If someone FaceTimes you while on the Vision Pro, you’ll see a 3D ‘digital persona’ of them and they’ll see the same of you. During these calls, you’ll be able to share content in apps, allowing for new ways to collaborate. While sharing an app, you’ll continue to be able to see the call attendees floating in your space – sort of like a 3D version of Zoom.
All iPhone and iPad apps will work on the Apple Vision Pro, unless the developers opt out of the store on the Vision Pro. This is good news as it means key productivity apps like Final Cut Pro, Gmail, and Google Docs will likely be working on release. Apple has also confirmed that Slack and apps from Microsoft 365 will work for the Vision Pro.
But, sometimes you need a bit more horsepower to carry out your tasks. Well, you can harness the power of your Mac to create a virtual display using AirPlay. This means any work you can do on a Mac, you can do on the Vision Pro.
Apple $AAPL showing of the Vision Pro acting as a display for a Mac pic.twitter.com/bu4IqmiC26
— Evan (@StockMKTNewz)
January 19, 2024
The Apple Vision Pro looks to be one of the best XR headsets for productivity. Its wide range of apps, flexible virtual displays, and seamless connectivity with Macs should make for a smooth working environment. At this point, it appears that Apple’s realistic approach to collaborative work feels more professional than Meta’s Horizon Worlds. The latter is more immersive but looks like it’s made to entertain kids.
What is it like watching movies and videos?
Kicking back and watching content seems to be where the Apple Vision Pro will truly shine.
On launch, there’ll be 150 movies and TV shows available to experience in 3D through streaming services such as Disney Plus and Apple TV. Movies on this list include Avatar: The Way of Water, Dune, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. These will be 3D experiences that will jump out of the virtual display in front of you – they will not wrap 180-degrees around you.
You’ll also be able to experience 2D TV shows, films, sports, and more through the wide range of streaming services available on the headset. Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, TikTok, ESPN, and more will be available on the App Store on launch.
Disney Plus will be available on the Vision Pro at launch. Image credit:
Apple
A big honkin’ womp womp for couch potatoes
Unfortunately, YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix will not be available as apps on the Apple Vision Pro recommending you use the web browser instead. These are glaring misses considering that YouTube and Netflix work natively on Quest headsets.
Apple won’t want you to know that you’ve been able to experience 3D and 2D movies on other VR headsets for some time now. But the Apple Vision Pro has a neat trick up its sleeve – it delivers 3D experiences natively through streaming services rather than requiring third-party apps.
You can decide to watch these while in passthrough mode, or a digital ‘immersive environment.’ Despite appearing gimmicky, being transported to the moon or a mountain range can really help immersion when watching a film.
One small step for Apple Pro: You can go to the moon using an immersive environment. Image credit:
Apple
There will also be fully immersive 180-degree 3D experiences with spatial audio available on launch, such as Alicia Keys: Rehearsal Room, a glimpse into an intimate rehearsal session, and Prehistoric Planet Immersive, an award-winning Apple Original docuseries from the producers of Planet Earth.
Filmmaker Matti Haapoja claimed he had never had video content experiences that were as “realistic, emotional, and intimate” as these.
However, it’s worth knowing that the battery for the headset will only last “up to 2.5 hours.” This means, you won’t be able to experience longer movies, like Oppenheimer, before the clunky battery pack – that Apple is trying to hide – runs out of juice.
– Apple TV+ previews exclusive shows with Apple Immersive Video.
• Prehistoric Planet Immersive
• Alicia Keys: Rehearsal Room
• Wild Life
• Adventure– Available on Apple Vision Pro’s app from Feb. 2.
– Uses 180-degree 3D 8K recordings and Spatial Audio for immersive… pic.twitter.com/6yMpQxuspn
— H.A.L. 9000 (@tamilhollywood2)
January 17, 2024
You’ll be able to shoot your own “spatial photos and videos” for the Apple Vision Pro. With an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can record spatial videos which can then be experienced in 3D through the photos app. For the moment, users can only record this at 1080p 30fps, which isn’t great.
When within 1 to 3 feet of a subject, users report the spatial effect to be really strong, but anything further away doesn’t look too different from normal content.
These photos and videos will float in front of you with blurry edges but are not fully immersive 180-degree videos. That said, panorama photos can be wrapped around you 180-degrees.
You can immerse yourself in any picture you want… as long as it’s a panorama.
What games will be on the Apple Vision Pro?
The Apple Vision Pro isn’t really built for VR gaming, if this is what you want then it’s likely a good idea to look elsewhere. It seems major VR gaming titles like VRChat, Gorilla Tag, and Beat Saber will not be available. Put an L in the chat for gamers.
Apple has confirmed 8 games, all of which are aiming to appease the family-friendly, casual gamer. For example, in the VR version of the iPhone classic Fruit Ninja, you’re able to slash watermelons and coconuts, while Rec Room is designed to deliver a metaverse-y social gaming experience.
Most of the confirmed games have already been released on other VR headsets, with only three specifically designed for the Vision Pro.
Super Fruit Ninja on the Vision Pro. Image credit:
Apple
While you can connect your Vision Pro to your Mac using a USB-C connection or AirPlay, it’s unclear if this connection will enable you to play PCVR experiences. Even if Steam Link and Virtual Desktop work in the future, the Vision Pro’s lack of controllers will unfortunately limit the games you can play.
As a result, we believe most other VR headsets are better built for gaming. Headsets like Bigscreen Beyond, HTC Vive Focus 3, Quest 3, and the Valve Index all pack more features dedicated to delivering better gaming experiences.
If you’re just looking for VR games, the Vision Pro will be able to play over 250 Apple Arcade games on a 2D virtual display.
What do the experts think of the headset?
The biggest tech YouTubers and journalists – like Marques Brownlee aka MKBHD and Joanna Stern at the Wall Street Journal – have got their hands on the Vision Pro a handful of times now. Each of them has given their impressions and they’re pretty positive, if you ignore the price tag.
The general consensus among those who have tried the Vision Pro is that the headset is a major leap in XR technology. The passthrough mode, eye-tracking, and general experience have been described as “magical” by Marques Brownlee and “the next big thing” by The Wall Street Journal.
Almost everyone who has tried the headset on has complained about the weight, causing strain on their neck, nose, and forehead after just 30 minutes. The weight is mostly down to the Vision Pro being mostly made from metal and glass, which gives it a premium but heavy feel.
You also have to be tethered by a bulky battery pack in your pocket which only lasts “up to 2.5 hours.” This has raised concerns for watching long movies or other lengthy experiences.
Had my 4th demo of the Vision Pro this AM and Apple finally let us take a photo with it on.
My first three demos (1 in June, 1 in November, 1 in December) were all with the Solo Knit Band and I really felt the weight of the face computer on my face.
Today I tried the Dual… pic.twitter.com/DjyYknyme3
— Joanna Stern (@JoannaStern)
January 16, 2024
Admittedly, $3,500 is pretty steep. WSJ noted the headset needs to be able to do more in order to justify the price tag. However, Stern speculated that as time goes on, developers will add more compelling experiences to the platform. But, for now, it’s just Apple’s “Vision” for the future.
This is very much the first iteration of a product that only early adopters will purchase to help shape the future of “spatial computing.” Brownlee compared it to the original Apple Watch series (often referred to as Series 0) which was really a test for Apple to see what early adopters and developers want the product to be.
Is the Apple Vision Pro meant for kids?
The Apple Vision Pro has an age requirement of 13. So, if you’re happy trusting your 13 year-old with something worth $3,500, we’re fairly sure they’ll love it.
They’ll be able to experience movies in 3D, enjoy immersive 180-degree experiences, and play the small library of games available. It’s also likely we’ll see a raft of educational apps brought to the Vision Pro.
The Apple Vision Pro will pose similar risks to other VR headsets – such as the Meta Quest. Parents should consider risks like impact on mental wellbeing, online contact with strangers, and spending money on app store purchases.
Although it is not confirmed, it’s likely that the device will have similar parental control features to what is available on other iOS devices. So it’s safe to assume you’ll be able to prevent your kids from seeing explicit content and making unwarranted purchases through the headset soon enough.
You can get up close and personal with the heart.
Should I buy the Apple Vision Pro?
If you’re looking to experience the cutting edge of XR technology sooner than most people and have $3,500 to spend, why not?
The Apple Vision Pro promises to offer an experience no other XR headset comes close to today.
You can pre-order the headset right now, as long as you own an iPhone or iPad to scan yourself so you can receive a custom-fitted head strap.
Apple Vision Pro pre-orders begin today! We’re so excited for you to experience spatial computing for the first time! https://t.co/YAN2kdfZY0 pic.twitter.com/2cqzvz5Wjq
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook)
January 19, 2024
But if you’re looking for a top-tier gaming experience, then the Apple Vision Pro is definitely not for you. Instead, you should look towards the Quest 3 for the most affordable standalone gaming option. Or, the Bigscreen Beyond if you’re looking to splash the cash and pair it with a beefy PC that can run VR games.
The Xreal Air 2 Ultra glasses are only $699, and will offer a similar AR experience to the Vision Pro, albeit noticeably worse since they pack lower-grade hardware. But if the $3,500 price tag is more than you’re willing to spend, it’s an option to consider.
Equally, you shouldn’t purchase the Vision Pro if this is your first step into XR without knowing if you like the experience. Many people just don’t enjoy headsets, so you should opt for a cheaper alternative to give AR and VR a spin first.
That said, if you want to experience the Vision Pro for yourself soon, the headset will be available to try in Apple stores across the US from February 2 for free.
The Quest 3 is the best option for first-timers: at $499, it’s a great piece of kit for an introduction to the world of VR gaming, AR experiences, and everything else in between. If that’s still too much and you’re not interested in AR, then the older Quest 2 is a more affordable option to start out.
Should I wait for the Apple Vision Pro 2?
The Vision Pro 2 may already be in development by Apple. Omdia, a market research firm, claims Apple is planning to upgrade to micro-OLED displays which may allow for the clunky battery pack to be scrapped.
Industry leaker Ming-Chi Kuo claimed we won’t see the Vision Pro 2 enter mass production until 2027. Even then, it’s unlikely Apple will be reducing the price from $3,500.
It’s hard to recommend waiting four years for a product we know so little about. That said, it does give you enough time to save up!
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Ryan Gladwin
Ryan S. Gladwin is a freelance journalist based in the UK. He has previously been published in VICE, Fortune, and Business Insider.
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