I spent a Just over 30 minutes wearing Apple Vision Pro today, and I saw the future of computing. The impressive technology in Apple's upcoming mixed reality headset lays the foundation for what's to come, but I'm at a crossroads. I'm not sold on the bulky headphone.
Apple announced the Vision Pro at its Worldwide Developers Conference last year. It's a $3,500 wearable computing platform that you don't put on top of your head. Pre-orders begin tomorrow, January 19, and it will go on sale on February 2, which is when you'll be able to demo it at Apple Stores around the world. My time with it today showcased a final version of the official hardware along with some new experiences.
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Image: Apple
The Vision Pro works completely standalone, so you don't need to pair it with another device. Once you put it on, you'll be interacting with VisionOS, Apple's new spatial operating system that offers a unique software experience that feels somewhat familiar. It's a bit like iOS but suspended in midair. You can watch movies, relive memories in the Photos app, play games, and even do some work.
This last point is what attracts me most. I'd love to have the ability to open multiple windows and create a desktop-like experience in tight spaces like a coffee shop or airplane. You can connect a wireless keyboard and mouse to your Vision Pro if you want to get real work done, or you can stare at your MacBook's screen to input it into VisionOS over Wi-Fi (supported by the laptop); Here, you can add other virtual screens to complement your work.
If you have glasses like me, you'll have to order prescription optical accessories from Zeiss for $149 (you can get readers for $99). They magnetically attach to the optical lenses inside the Vision Pro. I had given Apple my prescription beforehand, so my demo unit was fitted and I was able to wear it without glasses.
My colleague Lauren Goode tried out the Vision Pro last year at WWDC, and much of her experience aligns with mine. First, you'll be asked to scan your face twice on your iPhone, just like you would when setting up Face ID. Before you put your headphones on, you can choose from two headband options included in the box: Solo Knit Band or Dual Loop Band.
