Although Apple did not mention the word “metaverse” during its Worldwide Developers Conference, it did finally reveal details of its new pricey mixed-reality headset.
Apple made waves at the WWDC event with the announcement of its highly anticipated mixed-reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro. The headset has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and industry experts, generating both excitement and curiosity.
There was however, one glaring omission from the launch — a single mention of the word “metaverse.”
Scheduled for an early 2024 release in the United States, the Apple Vision Pro will come with a premium price tag of $3,499. Apple plans to expand its availability to other countries shortly after the initial launch.
Apple’s marketing strategy for the Vision Pro sets it apart from competitors such as Microsoft’s Hololens and Meta’s headsets. Rather than focusing on terms like “metaverse,” “AR” (augmented reality), and “VR” (virtual reality), Apple emphasizes the concept of “spatial computing” and positions its product as the first “spatial computer.”
Mike Rockwell, Apple’s vice president of the technology development group, highlighted the innovative nature of the Vision Pro, stating that its creation required groundbreaking advancements across various aspects of the system.
The Apple Vision Pro boasts a combination of augmented reality and virtual reality capabilities. Users can experience apps and digital content that appear to be seamlessly integrated into their physical surroundings or immerse themselves in fully virtual environments using features like Immersive Environments.
At the core of the Apple Vision Pro is visionOS, which claims to be the world’s first spatial operating system. This operating system enables users to interact with digital content in a manner that creates a sense of physical presence within their space.
Apple’s entry into the mixed-reality headset market represents a significant milestone in the advancement of spatial computing technology. The company’s commitment to innovation and its vision for immersive computing experiences are evident in the development of the Vision Pro, which aims to redefine how users interact with digital content and their surrounding environment.