Apple Vision Pro
| Apple Vision Pro | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Mixed Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Standalone VR |
| Platform | visionOS |
| Creator | Apple Inc. |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
| Manufacturer | Apple Inc. |
| Announcement Date | June 5, 2023 |
| Release Date | February 2, 2024 (US); July 12, 2024 (International) |
| Price | $3,499 (256GB), $3,699 (512GB), $3,899 (1TB) |
| Website | https://www.apple.com/apple-vision-pro/ |
| Versions | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Requires | Apple ID, iPhone (for initial setup) |
| Predecessor | None (first generation) |
| Successor | Apple Vision Pro M5 |
| System | |
| Operating System | visionOS |
| Chipset | Apple M2 + Apple R1 |
| CPU | 8-core (4 performance + 4 efficiency) @ 3.49 GHz |
| GPU | 10-core GPU |
| HPU | Apple R1 (sensor processing) |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
| Memory | 16GB unified memory |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual micro-OLED (Sony) |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | 5000 nits (peak HDR) |
| Resolution | 3660 × 3200 per eye (23 million pixels total) |
| Pixel Density | 3386 PPI |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | ~100° horizontal |
| Horizontal FoV | ~100° |
| Vertical FoV | ~90° |
| Average Pixel Density | 34 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | 40+ PPD (foveal region) |
| Foveated Rendering | Dynamic (eye-tracked) |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Catadioptric pancake lenses (3-element) |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | Automatic (via ZEISS Optical Inserts for vision correction) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No (ZEISS Optical Inserts required) |
| Passthrough | Full-color stereoscopic HDR (12MP per eye) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out |
| Tracking Frequency | R1 processes at 12ms latency |
| Base Stations | None required |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (high-precision IR eye tracking) |
| Face Tracking | Yes (TrueDepth for Persona) |
| Hand Tracking | Yes |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Play Space | Roomscale |
| Latency | 12ms photon-to-photon |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Dual-driver spatial audio pods |
| Microphone | Yes (6-microphone array) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | No |
| Camera | 2× main cameras, 6× tracking cameras, 4× eye tracking cameras, TrueDepth camera, LiDAR scanner |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ports | USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) |
| Wired Video | Yes (USB-C DisplayPort) |
| Wireless Video | Yes (AirPlay) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Power | External battery pack |
| Battery Capacity | 3166mAh (35.9Wh battery pack) |
| Battery Life | 2-2.5 hours (general use) |
| Charge Time | ~2 hours |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Headset: ~200mm wide; Battery: 74mm × 95mm × 24mm |
| Weight | 600-650g (headset); 353g (battery pack) |
| Material | Aluminum, glass, soft textiles |
| Headstrap | Solo Knit Band or Dual Loop Band |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Silver/White |
| Sensors | 2× main cameras, 6× world-facing cameras, 4× eye-tracking cameras, TrueDepth camera, LiDAR scanner, 4× IMUs, flicker sensor, ambient light sensor |
| Input | Eye tracking, hand gestures, voice (Siri), virtual keyboard |
| Compliance | FCC, CE, regulatory approvals worldwide |
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The Apple Vision Pro is a mixed reality head-mounted display developed by Apple Inc., announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 5, 2023, and released in the United States on February 2, 2024. Marketed as Apple's first "spatial computer," the Vision Pro represents Apple's entry into the extended reality market after years of rumored development. Priced starting at $3,499, the device features dual micro-OLED displays with 23 million total pixels, the M2 chip for main processing alongside the custom R1 chip for real-time sensor processing with 12-millisecond photon-to-photon latency, and a revolutionary eye-and-hand input system that eliminates the need for controllers.
History and Development
Years of Development
Apple's development of an AR/VR headset reportedly began as early as 2015 under the internal codename "T288." The project evolved through various iterations, with Apple acquiring numerous AR-related companies and patents over the years. Key acquisitions included Metaio (AR platform), Vrvana (AR headset), Akonia Holographics (waveguide optics), and SensoMotoric Instruments (eye tracking).
Leadership and Team
The Vision Pro project was led by Mike Rockwell, Apple's VP of the Technology Development Group. The team grew to over 1,000 engineers, drawing expertise from across Apple's hardware, software, and design divisions. Jony Ive, Apple's former Chief Design Officer, contributed to the initial design direction before his departure in 2019.
WWDC 2023 Announcement
Apple unveiled Vision Pro at WWDC 2023 in Cupertino, presenting the device as a new product category rather than simply a VR headset. CEO Tim Cook described it as "the most advanced personal electronics device ever created." The announcement emphasized the device's capability for work, entertainment, communication, and spatial experiences.
Delayed International Launch
Following the February 2024 US launch, Apple expanded availability to additional countries on July 12, 2024, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the UK. The staggered rollout reflected Apple's careful approach to supply chain management and retail experience development.
Design Philosophy
Spatial Computing Concept
Apple positioned Vision Pro not as a VR or AR headset but as a "spatial computer"—a device that brings digital content into the user's physical space. This framing emphasizes productivity and everyday use rather than gaming, distinguishing Apple's approach from competitors.
Premium Materials
The Vision Pro's construction reflects Apple's design philosophy:
- Aluminum enclosure: Custom aluminum alloy housing the optical system and electronics
- Laminated glass front: Three-dimensionally formed glass serves as the lens cover and sensor window
- Textile components: Soft, breathable materials for the Light Seal and head bands
- Precision manufacturing: Industry-leading tolerances for optical alignment
EyeSight Feature
A unique curved OLED display on the front of the headset shows an image of the user's eyes to people nearby, maintaining social connection and awareness. When the user is fully immersed, the display shows abstract swirling patterns to indicate they're unavailable for interaction.
Modular Fit System
Vision Pro uses a modular approach to achieving proper fit:
- Light Seal: Soft cushion that blocks external light, available in multiple sizes and shapes
- Light Seal Cushion: Interchangeable cushion that attaches to the Light Seal
- Solo Knit Band: 3D knitted headband providing comfort and breathability
- Dual Loop Band: Alternative band with top and back adjustment for additional stability
Display Technology
Micro-OLED Panels
The Vision Pro features two custom micro-OLED displays manufactured by Sony, each approximately the size of a postage stamp:
- Resolution: 3660 × 3200 pixels per eye (23 million total)
- Pixel Pitch: 7.5 microns
- Pixel Density: 3,386 PPI—more than 4K resolution per eye
- Refresh Rates: 90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz (optimized for video content)
- HDR Support: Peak brightness up to 5,000 nits
- Color Coverage: 92% DCI-P3 gamut
These displays represent the highest resolution and pixel density ever achieved in a consumer head-mounted display.
Optical System
The Vision Pro uses a three-element catadioptric lens system (pancake lenses):
- Compact optical path enabling slim form factor
- Custom-shaped lenses with precisely placed inserts for vision correction
- Minimal distortion across the field of view
- High light transmission efficiency
ZEISS Optical Inserts
For users requiring vision correction, Apple partnered with ZEISS to create magnetic optical inserts:
- Prescription ranges from -8.00 to +6.00 diopters
- Cylinder correction up to 4.00
- Reader inserts for presbyopia (+0.75 to +3.00)
- Precision alignment with the display system
- Sold separately ($99-$149)
Silicon and Processing
M2 Chip
The Apple M2 serves as the main processor, handling operating system functions and application processing:
- CPU: 8-core (4 performance + 4 efficiency) at up to 3.49 GHz
- GPU: 10-core graphics
- Neural Engine: 16-core, 15.8 trillion operations per second
- Unified Memory: 16GB
- Manufacturing: 5nm process technology
The M2 enables running complete macOS and iOS applications, positioning Vision Pro as a genuine computing platform rather than merely a display device.
R1 Chip
Apple's custom R1 chip represents a breakthrough in real-time sensor processing:
- Purpose: Dedicated sensor fusion and display processing
- Latency: 12 milliseconds photon-to-photon
- Bandwidth: 256 GB/s memory bandwidth
- Sensor Processing: Handles 12 cameras, 5 sensors, 6 microphones simultaneously
The R1's low latency eliminates the motion sickness often associated with VR headsets, as the visual display updates virtually instantaneously with head movement.
Sensor Array
Camera System
Vision Pro contains 23 sensors including:
- 2× Main cameras: High-resolution stereoscopic passthrough
- 6× World-facing cameras: Tracking and spatial understanding
- 4× Eye-tracking cameras: IR sensors for gaze detection
- TrueDepth camera: Face tracking for Persona creation
- LiDAR scanner: Depth mapping and spatial awareness
Input System
Eye Tracking
The Vision Pro's primary input method relies on precision eye tracking:
- Sub-degree accuracy gaze detection
- Highlight items by looking at them
- Select with a finger pinch gesture
- Scroll by looking and using hand gestures
- Feels natural within minutes of use
Hand Tracking
The camera system tracks hands and fingers without controllers:
- Recognition at various positions in view
- Pinch gestures for selection
- Grasp and manipulation for 3D content
- Pointing and touching for direct interaction
Voice Input
Siri integration and dictation support:
- Voice commands for system functions
- Dictation for text input
- App-specific voice controls
Passthrough Technology
High-Fidelity Passthrough
Vision Pro's passthrough system aims to create "magic window" clarity:
- Stereoscopic 3D view of the environment
- 12-megapixel resolution per eye
- Wide dynamic range for varied lighting
- Minimal latency creating natural viewing experience
Digital Crown Control
The Digital Crown dial adjusts the blend between virtual and real:
- Rotate to increase or decrease immersion
- Quick access to passthrough view
- Smooth transitions between environments
Audio System
Audio Pods
Two audio pods positioned near the ears deliver spatial audio:
- Dual-driver design in each pod
- Personalized Spatial Audio based on ear geometry
- Wide soundstage without blocking environmental sounds
- Ray-traced audio for realistic spatial placement
Software Platform
visionOS
The Vision Pro runs visionOS, a new operating system built on iOS and macOS foundations:
- Familiar app design patterns from iOS
- Windowed application model in 3D space
- Native spatial app framework
- Mac Virtual Display for screen mirroring
Application Ecosystem
Vision Pro supports multiple application types:
- Native visionOS apps: Designed specifically for spatial computing
- iOS/iPadOS apps: Most iPhone and iPad apps run in compatibility mode
- Mac Virtual Display: Mirror a Mac screen into the headspace
- Safari: Full web browser with WebXR support
Persona System
Digital Avatar
Vision Pro creates a realistic digital representation of the user:
- Captured using the TrueDepth camera system
- Animated in real-time based on face tracking
- Used for FaceTime and other social applications
- Represents users naturally without headset visibility
Pricing and Configurations
| Storage | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 256GB | $3,499 | Base configuration |
| 512GB | $3,699 | +$200 for storage upgrade |
| 1TB | $3,899 | Maximum storage option |
Additional costs:
- ZEISS Optical Inserts: $99-$149
- AppleCare+ for Apple Vision Pro: $499
- Travel Case: $199
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual micro-OLED, 3660 × 3200 per eye |
| Total Pixels | 23 million |
| Pixel Density | 3386 PPI |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz |
| Field of View | ~100° horizontal |
| Processors | Apple M2 + Apple R1 |
| Memory | 16GB unified |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (precision IR tracking) |
| Hand Tracking | Yes (no controllers) |
| Passthrough | Full-color stereoscopic HDR |
| Latency | 12ms photon-to-photon |
| Audio | Spatial Audio pods |
| Battery Life | 2-2.5 hours |
| Weight | 600-650g (headset) |
| Operating System | visionOS |
| Price | $3,499-$3,899 |