Apple Vision Pro

The Apple Vision Pro is a spatial computing head-mounted display with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) capabilities developed and released by Apple. It was announced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 5, 2023, and released in the United States on February 2, 2024, with international availability following in July 2024. Apple markets the device as a "spatial computer" rather than a traditional VR or AR headset, emphasizing its ability to blend digital content with the physical world.

Apple Vision Pro
Basic Info
VR/AR	Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality
Type	Head-mounted display
Subtype	Integrated HMD
Platform	visionOS
Creator	Apple
Developer	Apple
Manufacturer	Apple
Release Date	February 2, 2024 (US), July 12, 2024 (UK, Canada, Australia, others)
Price	$3,499 (256GB), $3,699 (512GB), $3,899 (1TB)
Website	https://www.apple.com/apple-vision-pro/
Versions	visionOS 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 2.4 (upcoming)
System
Operating System	visionOS
CPU	Apple M2 (5nm SoC)
GPU	10-core GPU (part of M2)
HPU	Apple R1 (spatial coprocessor)
Storage
Storage	256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
Memory	16GB unified memory
Display
Display	Dual Micro-OLED
Resolution	3660 × 3200 pixels per eye (23 million total pixels)
Pixel Density	3386 PPI per eye
Refresh Rate	90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz
Image
Field of View	Approximately 100-120 degrees
Optics
Optics	Pancake lenses
IPD Range	51-75mm (automatic adjustment)
Tracking
Tracking	Eye tracking, hand tracking, face tracking, room mapping
Rotational Tracking	Yes
Positional Tracking	6DoF
Update Rate	12ms photon-to-photon latency
Tracking Volume	Room-scale
Latency	12ms
Audio
Audio	Spatial Audio pods with dynamic head tracking
Camera	Stereoscopic 3D main camera system (6.5MP)
Connectivity
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
Power	External battery pack connected via cable
Battery Life	2 hours (general use), 2.5 hours (video playback)
Device
Weight	600-650g (headset only), 353g (battery)
Sensors	Two high-resolution main cameras, six world-facing tracking cameras, four eye-tracking cameras, TrueDepth camera, LiDAR Scanner, four inertial measurement units (IMUs), flicker sensor, ambient light sensor
Input	Eye tracking, hand gestures, voice

The Vision Pro features a distinctive design with a curved front glass panel, aluminum frame, and uses eye tracking, hand gestures, and voice commands as its primary input methods. It runs on visionOS, Apple's operating system specifically designed for spatial computing. With a starting price of $3,499, the Vision Pro is positioned as a premium device in the mixed reality market.

History and Development

The development of Apple Vision Pro reportedly began in 2016, representing the culmination of years of AR/VR research at Apple. Prior to its announcement, the device was the subject of numerous rumors and reports, with speculation about Apple's entry into the mixed reality space dating back several years .

Apple CEO Tim Cook had previously expressed that AR had more long-term potential than VR, and the Vision Pro's eventual design as a mixed reality headset reflects this vision. The device was officially unveiled at WWDC 2023, where Cook described it as "the beginning of a new era for computing" and "the first Apple product you look through, not at."

Following its announcement, the Vision Pro was released in the United States on February 2, 2024, with initial availability limited to Apple Stores where customers could receive a personalized fitting. International release followed on July 12, 2024, with availability in the UK, Canada, Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.

Design and Hardware

Physical Design

The Apple Vision Pro features a distinctive design with a curved, laminated glass front panel and an aluminum alloy frame. The headset uses a modular design with several components that can be customized to fit individual users:

• Light Seal: A flexible component that conforms to the user's face to prevent light leakage
• Light Seal Cushion: A cushioned attachment for comfort
• Head bands: Two options included - Solo Knit Band and Dual Loop Band

Unlike most VR headsets, the Vision Pro uses an external battery pack connected via a cable to the left temple of the headset. This design choice reduces the weight on the user's head but means the device must always be tethered to its battery during use. The headset weighs between 600-650g depending on configuration, with the separate battery weighing an additional 353g.

The device includes two physical controls: a Digital Crown similar to that found on the Apple Watch, which controls the level of immersion and acts as a home button, and a top button used for taking spatial photos and videos.

Display Technology

The Vision Pro uses dual micro-OLED displays with a combined 23 million pixels (approximately 3660 × 3200 pixels per eye). With a pixel density of 3386 PPI, these displays effectively eliminate the "screen door effect" common in many VR headsets.

The displays support variable refresh rates of 90Hz, 96Hz, and 100Hz, with the system automatically selecting the appropriate rate based on content. For example, when watching 24 FPS movies, the screen runs at 96Hz to display each movie frame for exactly three display frames. The displays support various HDR formats including Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG.

Processing Power

The Vision Pro is powered by two custom Apple chips:

• Apple M2: An 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, featuring a 10-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine with 16GB of unified memory
• Apple R1: A dedicated spatial coprocessor with 256GB/s memory bandwidth that processes input from the cameras and sensors with just 12 milliseconds of photon-to-photon latency

The combination of these chips enables the Vision Pro to deliver high-performance spatial computing experiences with minimal latency.

Cameras and Sensors

The Vision Pro incorporates an extensive array of cameras and sensors:

• Two high-resolution main cameras for color passthrough
• Six world-facing tracking cameras for spatial positioning
• Four eye-tracking cameras to monitor eye movements and gaze
• TrueDepth camera for facial expression tracking
• LiDAR Scanner for room mapping and depth sensing
• Four inertial measurement units (IMUs)
• Flicker sensor and ambient light sensor

This sensor array enables the headset's key features, including precise hand and eye tracking, room mapping, and the realistic passthrough view that forms the foundation of its mixed reality capabilities.

Audio System

The Vision Pro features integrated speakers called "audio pods," each containing two drivers positioned near the user's ears. These deliver spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, creating the impression that sounds are coming from specific locations in the environment.

The audio system also includes a six-microphone array with directional beamforming for clear voice capture. The headset supports direct connection to AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C and AirPods 4 for private audio.

Battery and Power

Unlike most standalone VR headsets, the Vision Pro uses an external battery pack connected via a cable. This battery provides approximately 2 hours of general use or 2.5 hours of video playback. The headset can be used while the battery is charging through its USB-C port, allowing for extended sessions when near a power outlet.

Software and User Interface

visionOS

The Apple Vision Pro runs on visionOS, Apple's operating system specifically designed for spatial computing. visionOS is built on the foundation of other Apple operating systems but optimized for three-dimensional interaction in space. It features a familiar app-based interface with iOS-like icons floating in the user's environment.

Major versions of visionOS released so far include:

• visionOS 1.0: Initial release (February 2024)
• visionOS 1.1: Improved Personas and various bugfixes
• visionOS 2.0: Introduced new hand gestures, persistent windows, and other features (September 2024)
• visionOS 2.4: Upcoming release adding Apple Intelligence features (April 2025)

Input Methods

The Vision Pro uses a combination of eye tracking, hand gestures, and voice commands as its primary input methods:

• Eye tracking: Users look at interface elements to select them
• Hand gestures: Primarily using a pinch gesture with thumb and index finger to "click" on items
• Voice commands: Using Siri or dictation for text input and system control

This hands-free interaction model eliminates the need for physical controllers typically associated with VR headsets. The eye tracking system also powers OpticID, an iris-based authentication system similar to Face ID on iPhones.

Environments

Vision Pro offers various virtual "Environments" that can replace or blend with the user's real surroundings. These include natural settings like Yosemite National Park, Mount Hood, and Joshua Tree, as well as fantastical locations like the Moon. Users can control the level of immersion by turning the Digital Crown, seamlessly transitioning between full passthrough of the real world and complete immersion in the virtual environment.

EyeSight and Persona

Two unique features of visionOS are EyeSight and Persona:

• EyeSight: An external display on the front of the headset that shows a rendering of the user's eyes to people nearby. This display changes based on the user's level of immersion and awareness of their surroundings.

• Persona: A digital avatar created by scanning the user's face, used for video calls and FaceTime when wearing the headset. The system captures facial expressions and eye movements to animate the avatar in real-time.

Features and Capabilities

Spatial Computing

The Vision Pro excels at "spatial computing," allowing users to position multiple app windows around their physical space. These windows remain fixed in place as the user moves around, creating a persistent digital workspace overlaid on the real world.

A standout feature is Mac Virtual Display, which allows users to view and interact with their Mac's screen through the Vision Pro by simply looking at their MacBook. This creates a large virtual display while still using the Mac's keyboard and trackpad for input.

Entertainment

The Vision Pro offers several immersive entertainment options:

• 3D Movies: Access to over 300 3D films through Apple TV+
• Apple Immersive Video: A new format featuring 180-degree 3D video with 8K resolution
• Immersive Environments for standard video content
• Spatial Audio for an immersive soundscape

The headset can create the experience of watching content on a massive virtual screen, equivalent to a 100-foot display, placed within either the user's real environment or a virtual one.

Spatial Photos and Videos

The Vision Pro can capture and display spatial (3D) photos and videos:

• Spatial photos can be taken directly using the Vision Pro's built-in cameras
• Spatial videos can be recorded using either the Vision Pro or an iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max
• Panoramic photos are displayed in an immersive way that surrounds the user

The headset also enhances the viewing of traditional photos and videos by displaying them at a much larger scale than conventional screens.

Apps and Games

See also: Apple Vision Pros Apps and Apple Vision Pro Games

At launch, the Vision Pro could run over a million compatible iPhone and iPad apps, with a growing number of native visionOS applications specifically designed for spatial computing. As of mid-2024, Apple reported over 2,500 native Vision Pro apps available.

Notable spatial computing experiences include:

• Productivity apps that allow multiple virtual screens
• Creative tools that place 3D models in the user's space
• Educational experiences like Encounter Dinosaurs that bring lifelike 3D creatures into the real world
• Games that utilize hand tracking and room mapping for unique gameplay

Reception

Critical Reception

The Apple Vision Pro received generally positive reviews from technology critics, who praised its display quality, innovative interface, and technical achievements, while criticizing its weight, battery life, and high price point.

Reviewers consistently highlighted the headset's impressive display technology and intuitive eye and hand tracking interface. The passthrough quality was considered superior to competing products, though still not fully transparent as some of Apple's marketing suggested. The ability to extend Mac displays and position multiple virtual screens was praised as a compelling productivity use case.

Common criticisms included:

• Weight and comfort issues during extended use
• The inconvenience of the tethered external battery
• Limited battery life
• The high starting price of $3,499
• A limited selection of optimized apps at launch

Many reviews characterized the Vision Pro as an impressive but early product that demonstrated the potential of spatial computing while suggesting that future iterations would likely address many of its first-generation limitations.

User Experiences

Early adopters of the Vision Pro reported mixed experiences. Many enthusiasts praised the device's capabilities for multitasking, entertainment, and immersive experiences. Long-term users highlighted the quality of the displays, hand tracking, and interface as standout features.

Common user complaints echoed professional reviews, focusing on comfort during extended wear, the cumbersome external battery, and the social awkwardness of wearing the device around others. Some users reported that while they were impressed with the technology, they found themselves using the headset less frequently than expected due to these limitations.

Many users highlighted specific use cases where they found the Vision Pro particularly valuable:

• Watching movies and immersive video content
• Working with multiple virtual screens
• Virtual travel through Environments and immersive videos
• Social interactions through spatial FaceTime calls
• Viewing spatial photos and videos of personal memories

Market Impact

While Apple has not disclosed official sales figures for the Vision Pro, analysts estimated that first-year sales ranged from 400,000 to 800,000 units. The high price point limited mass-market adoption, positioning the Vision Pro primarily as a device for early adopters, developers, and enterprise users.

The Vision Pro's release has influenced the broader AR/VR market, establishing new benchmarks for display quality, interface design, and mixed reality experiences. Competing companies have reportedly adjusted their product roadmaps in response to Apple's entry into the space.

Accessories

Apple offers several accessories for the Vision Pro:

• ZEISS Optical Inserts: Prescription lenses ($149) or reader lenses ($99) that magnetically attach to the headset for users who wear glasses
• Apple Vision Pro Travel Case: A protective case for transporting the headset ($199)
• Apple Vision Pro Battery Holder: A clip for attaching the battery to clothing ($49)
• Additional Light Seals and Light Seal Cushions for different face shapes or sharing the device

Third-party accessories include various comfort modifications, alternative head straps, and protective covers.

Images

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•