Apple Vision Pro: Long-awaited $3,499 headset launch date confirmed

Apple has announced that its highly anticipated Vision Pro headset will be available for purchase in the United States on 2 February. Pre-orders for the $3,499 mixed-reality device have been open to US customers since mid-January, but no date has been given for a UK release. This is Apple's first major new product since the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015. After years of speculation, the company unveiled the headset in June 2023. However, there have been some setbacks. According to the Financial Times, Apple has cut its production forecasts by more than half, reducing the estimated unit count from one million to 400,000 for 2024. In addition to the release date, Apple disclosed that the device will come with 256GB of storage. The company also clarified that the eye-tracking technology of the headset can function by monitoring just one dominant eye, catering to individuals who do not have full use of both eyes. Interestingly, Apple is trying to distinguish its headset from other devices on the market. It has instructed developers to brand their apps as "spatial computing" instead of using terms like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), or mixed reality (MR). Apple has released a trailer online featuring characters from films wearing goggles and helmets, evoking the excitement around the launch of the iPhone in 2007. If successful, the Vision Pro could become a lucrative source of income for Apple. However, the high price tag is likely to limit its accessibility to the affluent, at least initially. The BBC had the opportunity to test the Vision Pro in June of last year and found the mixed reality experience to be a mixed bag. Although no photos or filming were allowed during the demonstration, the review highlighted that the headset's battery has been detached to reduce weight. Instead, the battery sits beside the user, connected by a cable. The user experience of the Vision Pro aligns with Apple's minimalist design approach. Once the headset is worn, the user sees the surrounding room through on-board cameras, rather than through glass. Various familiar app icons appear with a button press, and gesture control is utilized for navigation. Immersion can be adjusted with a physical dial, allowing content to fill the entire room or appear as a superimposed TV screen on a wall. Additionally, real-life individuals can still be seen even during immersive experiences. It's worth noting that Apple emphasized that the demo was not of the finished product, and no filming was permitted during the demonstration. The full review of the Vision Pro can be found on Zoe's website.