This week, Tim Cook confirmed Apple's previously announced plans to release the Vision Pro AR/VR headset “early next year.” “Early” in Apple parlance could mean as early as May, but various signs point to it actually meaning a debut in the first few months of 2024.
But if you're planning on getting the first-ever spatial computer, we also learned about some important prerequisites this week. To get the most out of your Apple Vision pro headset, you'll also need to invest in the latest and greatest Apple iPhone 15 Pro headphones and AirPods Pro…
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AirPods Pro for better AR sound
The Vision Pro headband integrates left and right speaker modules to deliver decent integrated sound. However, the sound quality is not as good as dedicated headphones, and people nearby will also be able to hear the sounds. Apple recommends using headphones when wearing Vision Pro for maximum immersion and privacy.
Reducing latency is very important to provide a realistic and immersive AR/VR experience. Unfortunately, only the second-generation AirPods Pro have the wireless audio components needed to function as the Vision Pro's ultra-low latency headphones. Specifically, you'll need the latest version of the AirPods Pro, AirPods Pro with USB-C Case. It turns out that the headphones themselves are slightly different with different model numbers—it's not just a new case with a different port. So even if you just bought the second-generation AirPods Pro and were looking forward to buying the Vision Pro in 2024, you should probably spend another $249 to get the new version of the AirPods Pro.
And Ultra With low latency, the new AirPods Pro can also interface with the H2 chip in Vision Pro to stream lossless, high-data-rate audio to the user's ears. The headphones now also have an IP54 dust protection rating.
Despite the exclusive features, Apple unsuccessfully positions the new AirPods as “second generation.” It's confusing. If you want to keep track, the full name of the new model is AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe charging case (USB‑C).
iPhone 15 Pro for capturing spatial video for later viewing on Vision Pro
Another purchase you might want to consider as a potential Vision owner Pro is the new iPhone. One of the main benefits of Vision Pro was the ability to view spatial 3D videos, which Vision Pro can project onto a window, creating the feeling of reliving memories as if you were actually there.
The Vision Pro headset itself can capture these spatial videos, but it's a rather clunky affair. Apple demonstrated this in June by showing a father filming his child's birthday party, but it was widely ridiculed as reflecting a rather dystopian state of affairs. Having to put on a headset means that a person is disconnected from the real world at a time when it matters.
However, this week Apple announced that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be able to use Spatial Video too (coming out as part of a software update later this year).
It holds the phone horizontally and uses the physical separation of the ultra-wide-angle lens and the main camera in the rear camera module to map 3D depth data. People are used to capturing moments with their phones, so this is a much more affordable solution for creating 3D video files. Later, these moments can be enjoyed using the Vision Pro headset.
Best comment from Damo
I find this very interesting.
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The two cameras shooting the video have different focal lengths and are too close to each other to provide a normal 3D image. The closer together the less 3D effect it has, so I wonder how immersive it will be.
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I would also like to know if there is another way to view the result. If spatial video (i.e. 3D) for VR needs to be an open format, as they stated, then how else can this video be accessed and played? Surely a 3D TV will do.
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Can you turn spatial video capture on/off or will you always record in 3D?
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So, if you want to capture your child's next birthday in 3D, but don't want to be the weird parent who sticks a bulky isolation headset over their face while the birthday cake is being cut, you'll also need an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max.
It all adds up
If we talk about exact numbers, then the Vision headset itself The Pro will cost at least $3,499. Apple has not yet released a full price list of add-ons and accessories, such as different headband options or the cost of additional Carl Zeiss corrective lenses.
Add $249 for the new AirPods Pro and $1,000. + for the new iPhone 15 Pro, and your total price is approaching five thousand… plus tax.
(Related but minor sidebar: unrelated to the Vision Pro. We also saw a similar unfortunate phenomenon with the new iPhone 15 Pro: Ultra Wideband location features Apple announced for the Apple Watch Series 9 and iPhone 15. The Series 9 can now simultaneously ping your phone and help you find it using a mini precision search interface right on the watch, but this feature only works when you connected. with another iPhone 15 equipped with the same second-generation Ultra Wideband chip. If you just upgrade your watch and not your phone, you won't be able to use this feature.)
