Apple Vision Pro will be launched in the United States on February 2. What are the standout features of this headset? Do you have a positive outlook on this product?

Analysis of the Vision Pro’s Market Prospects and Technological Peak

I am not optimistic about the sales of this product, but I still believe that it represents the pinnacle of technology in the mass production of consumer electronics.

The reason for my skepticism about its sales is simple:

Vision Pro is too expensive.

At $3,499, you can buy 11 of the best-selling VR headsets in history, the Quest 2 (priced at $299.99), and still have change left.

The annual sales of the Quest 2 are only in the millions.

When the price of Quest Pro went up, its sales plummeted.

Returning to Quest 3, Meta used much better hardware - the XR2 Gen2, which is equivalent to Snapdragon 8 Gen2 in smartphones, the most praised processor of the previous generation. It’s a significant performance improvement over the previous XR2 (Qualcomm Snapdragon 865), but this did not reverse the downward sales trend.

Another reason comes from Apple’s own data.

Each year, the top-end iPhone model (priced at $1,799) only accounts for about 2% of total iPhone sales.

Even Apple users, with relatively strong spending power, think twice before purchasing the top-end model.

Not to mention the $3,499 Vision Pro, most consumers are not ready to pay that much for a new “toy”.

After all, at this stage, the Vision Pro’s ecosystem and content are not developed enough to fully serve as a productivity or entertainment tool.

For the average consumer, the Vision Pro might still be considered just a “toy”.

The first batch of products, I believe, will be more likely purchased by developers who are interested in the XR ecosystem.

Additionally, the situation is also influenced by actual circumstances.

The high sales of Quest 2 coincided with the global trend of staying at home.

During this period, people were bored at home, leading to increased sales of various home necessities like laptops, desktop computers, TVs, and the Quest 2 was just a part of this surge.

However, as the global economy gradually returns to normal and the “stay-at-home economy” becomes a thing of the past, XR devices are moving in different directions. For example, domestic products like XREAL and Thunderbird are doing well with their cinema-grade AR products, which offload computing power (to a smartphone/PC or separate accessory), significantly reducing the size and weight while retaining most of the VR/MR experience. A recent statistic showed that XREAL’s AR glasses had a cumulative shipment of 350,000 units, roughly the same level as Vision Pro’s annual production. There are also full-color AR integrated devices using MicroLED - just don’t require the R1 chip. Of course, their prices are also much lower than Vision Pro. These are all interesting explorations and applications.

Maybe Apple will release a Vision SE someday, transferring the computational requirements to the smartphone.

Moreover, supply is a major issue.

The silicon-based OLED display panels inside the Vision Pro are still exclusively supplied by Sony, and Sony is not willing to expand its production capacity just for Apple.

According to supply chain news, Sony’s production capacity is about 900,000 to 1 million panels per year, roughly corresponding to 400,000 to 500,000 Vision Pros (one for each eye).

There are also reports that Apple is considering adding Vision Technology and BOE to its list of suppliers, but there is still a significant time lag from inspection to small-scale production to mass supply.

Therefore, in summary, the sales of Vision Pro will not be very high, only in the hundreds of thousands.

But if we consider the technological aspect of this product.

Apple has loaded it with sensory devices - ToF, structured light, dual cameras; it’s equipped with everything possible.

It uses a single R1 chip to process sensor data - in real-time, theoretically even suitable for autonomous driving.

It has the highest resolution silicon-based OLED screen currently available - 1.3 inches, dual-eye 4k level, making even next-door micro-single users envious.

It’s hard to find better technology available for mass production to add to this device.

And Apple’s relatively superior integration of software and hardware is evident.

Especially considering the slow progress of Apple’s smartphones in recent years, the Vision Pro is arguably the best among all mass-produced consumer electronics available today.

It’s hard not to look forward to the general consumers' experience after its official release.

Who knows, maybe Apple really will open up a new frontier?

Key Details of Vision Pro

Some known information (subject to updates):

• Starting price is $3,499

• Initially launching only in the United States

• 256GB storage space (rumors suggest there might be versions with larger capacities)

• Pre-orders start at 5 AM PST on Friday, January 19, with sales beginning on Friday, February 2.

• Available for purchase at Apple retail stores and on the official Apple website

• Zeiss reading glasses for $99, other lenses for $149

• Accessories include a headband, main unit, protective cover, polishing cloth, battery, charging cable, and charger

• A large number of iOS and iPadOS apps are directly compatible, with official support for over 1 million apps

• Supports Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad

• Compatible with Apple TV+, Disney+, Max, etc., and supports HDR

• Over 150 3D movies available at launch

• Officially features games like “NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition” and “Sonic Dream Team”, presumably customized, plus supports over 250 games from Apple Arcade

• Contains M2 and R1 chips, 12 cameras, 5 sensors, and 6 microphones

• Includes two types of headbands, as shown below:

• The appearance with both headbands attached is roughly as follows:

• Half-body shot seems a bit less elegant

• Looks quite thin without the head cover

• The eye mask appears a bit large

Apple Vision Pro: WWDC23 Release Overview

Six months after its first appearance at WWDC23, the Apple Vision Pro release details have just been announced.

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Release Dates

The  Vision Pro will be available for pre-order starting on January 19th (Friday) at 5:00 AM Pacific Time and will officially launch on February 2nd (Friday).

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Sales Channels and In-Store Availability

The  Vision Pro will only be available for purchase in the United States, both online and in physical Apple retail stores.

At that time, all 273 Apple Stores in 226 cities across the United States will be equipped with the  Vision Pro.

Specifications and Pricing

The  Vision Pro comes with an M2 chip and 256GB of storage, priced at $3499 (approximately ¥25030).

Prescription lenses, including reading glasses in partnership with Zeiss, will be available for $99, and prescription lenses for nearsightedness will cost $149 (approximately ¥708/¥1066).

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The era of spatial computing is about to arrive.

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Apple’s Attempt at Spatial Computing: Apple Vision Pro

Apple’s foray into spatial computing represents a significant step toward a revolutionary product that could potentially replace the iPhone. However, the high price of the Apple Vision Pro seems to make it an exclusive product, out of reach for the average consumer.

The initial release of this product is primarily targeted at developers and tech enthusiasts, and its true capabilities are yet to be fully explored.

Apple is actively promoting Apple Vision Pro accelerators in various locations, including Shanghai in mainland China.

The Apple Developer App recently sent out a notification regarding the release of the Apple Vision Pro App:

Submit your apps to the App Store for Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro will have a brand-new App Store, where people can discover and download all the incredible apps for visionOS. Whether you’ve created a new visionOS app or are making your existing iPad or iPhone app available on Apple Vision Pro, here’s everything you need to know to prepare your app for the App Store.

Apple Vision Pro will also feature a new App Store, where users can download apps that may support various Apple platforms such as iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. Currently, iOS 17.2 and the iPhone 15 Pro series support spatial video recording, and the iPhone App Store already has apps for this purpose, making it compatible with Apple Vision Pro for viewing.

Developers have the opportunity to showcase their creativity to the initial batch of Apple Vision Pro users by creating apps that meet App Store standards. If the apps are enjoyable and innovative, they may receive Apple’s endorsement, resulting in a win-win situation.

In terms of sales, it might not be the primary focus, as tech enthusiasts are likely to be willing to invest even at the $3499 USD price point, making it potentially popular.

The key aspect to watch for is the experiences Apple Vision Pro can offer, such as extended reality (XR), gaming, and immersive cinematic experiences. The first wave of users and developers will be the ones to discover and explore the full extent of its capabilities.

To be honest, even if there are doubts, there is great anticipation for what kind of product Apple intends to create with the Apple Vision Pro. Given its high price and limited 2-hour battery life, concerns about comfort during prolonged use remain.

Nonetheless, the curiosity remains, and many hope to visit an Apple Store to experience the Apple Vision Pro before making a purchase decision. @知乎数码

Why do smartphones drain battery quickly in winter, and how can this issue be resolved?

Apple Vision Pro: The Dawn of Spatial Computing

Do you remember last June when Tim Cook announced the thrilling “One More Thing”? For this day, Apple’s entire team had been planning for seven long years.

As Cook described it, this marks the beginning of the era of spatial computing, signifying the profound significance of Vision Pro for everyone.

Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronic device ever created. Its revolutionary and magical user interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore.

According to Apple’s official website, the Apple Vision Pro is priced at $3499 in the United States, equipped with 256GB of storage.

A New Era of “Spatial Computers”

Apple’s Vision Pro operating system, visionOS, is built on decades of engineering innovation from macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.

visionOS offers powerful spatial experiences, a brand-new 3D user interface, and input systems controlled by gestures, voice, or gaze, bringing us closer to the world of science fiction.

With a simple tap, you can select content, scroll by lifting your wrist, type using a virtual keyboard, and interact with applications. Just like with other Apple devices, you can quickly open or close apps by summoning Siri.

What’s even more impressive is that wearing the Vision Pro can transport you to various environments, like Yosemite National Park or the surface of the Moon. Your world can expand limitlessly, free from the constraints of the physical world. Any place you want to visit can appear before your eyes, and you can control the level of immersion with the “Digital Crown.”

For professionals, this experience is unparalleled. The 3D interface liberates apps from the confines of a display screen, allowing them to be displayed side by side at any scale in a virtual space, creating an infinite canvas for multitasking and collaboration.

Utilizing existing development frameworks, visionOS supports over a million iOS and iPadOS applications, automatically synchronizing them for seamless cooperation. Vision Pro also introduces a brand-new “App Store” where users can download apps specifically designed for headsets. In the new UI, users can drag and place apps anywhere, adjusting their size to their liking.

Apple enthusiasts can capture spatial videos on iPhone 15 and then relive their favorite memories in an entirely new way on Vision Pro. Spatial photos and videos transport users to special moments, and spatial audio provides an incredible immersive experience.

Vision Pro’s primary focus is immersion; it transforms your room into a private theater. The device automatically adjusts the space, optimizes lighting, and enlarges the screen beyond the boundaries of your room. Apple also introduces immersive videos, a groundbreaking new entertainment format capturing 180-degree 3D 8K footage with spatial audio.

With Vision Pro, you can enjoy a completely new gaming experience and engage in battles with NPCs.

FaceTime - Making Surroundings Feel Real

On Apple Vision Pro’s FaceTime, the surrounding space is utilized to make everyone appear life-sized during calls. Space Audio makes everyone’s voice seem to come from their actual position. When wearing Vision Pro during a FaceTime call, your avatars are displayed, while users joining from Mac, iPad, or iPhone appear in a square interface. All Vision Pro users have their avatars, allowing others in the call to see your facial expressions and hand movements in real-time. Vision Pro uses machine learning to create avatars in a matter of minutes. This avatar feature is also applicable to third-party video conferencing apps, including Zoom, Cisco Webex, and Microsoft Teams.

Groundbreaking Design, Personalized Customization

The Apple Vision Pro resembles ski goggles in appearance. It features a modular design that allows users to personalize their device. Customizable aluminum frames and Light Seals made of flexible textiles are available in various shapes and sizes to precisely fit the user’s face. For those with prescription needs, Zeiss optical plugins are available and can be magnetically attached to Vision Pro, fully utilizing the remarkable clarity of the display.

Moreover, flexible straps ensure audio is close to the user’s ears, while single-loop and double-loop bands allow users to find the most comfortable way to wear the device.

Incredible Innovations

The Apple Vision Pro boasts a groundbreaking ultra-high-resolution display system built on powerful Apple chips. Micro-OLED technology packs 23 million pixels into two displays, each with wide color and high dynamic range. Combined with custom lenses and advanced spatial audio, this technology delivers an astonishing experience.

Vision Pro also features a high-performance eye-tracking system. This system employs high-speed cameras and an LED ring to project invisible light patterns onto the user’s eyes, providing responsive and intuitive input.

To help users stay connected with those around them, Apple introduces a groundbreaking feature called “EyeSight.” When someone wearing Vision Pro approaches, the device appears transparent, allowing users to see the person approaching and revealing their eyes. When users are immersed in an app, EyeSight provides visual cues to inform others about what the user is currently focusing on.

All of these groundbreaking features, including the exceptional display, advanced audio experience, and high-performance eye-tracking system, are powered by Apple’s unique dual-chip setup. The M2 chip delivers powerful standalone performance, while the all-new R1 chip processes input from 12 cameras, 5 sensors, and 6 microphones, bringing content to life right before your eyes.

Apple Vision Pro: A Paradigm Shift in Personal Computing

To be honest, it’s challenging to provide a reliable evaluation of the Apple Vision Pro at this point.

Most people haven’t had hands-on experience with the product, and many skeptics base their negative opinions on its $3499 price tag rather than the potential it offers! Interestingly, the starting price of the 16-inch MacBook Pro M3 Max is exactly $3499.

In China, the price is around 26,999 yuan, which is indeed not cheap. However, it’s undeniable that there is a substantial number of people willing to invest in this device.

Of course, some might argue that the MacBook Pro serves as a productivity tool, while the Apple Vision Pro is an entertainment device. That’s a valid point, but let’s examine both the entertainment aspect and the luxury side of productivity tools.

I use a Studio Display, which costs around 12,000 yuan, with a 27-inch 5K resolution. Apple’s 2019 Pro Display XDR, with a 32-inch 6K screen, starts at 39,999 yuan.

Let’s consider other examples.

There is still some potential for productivity in these devices, so let’s shift our focus to purely entertainment products. One of my personal favorites is the QD-OLED A95L.

And then there’s the 110-inch Micro LED.

So, in terms of price, the Apple Vision Pro, a product with an initial expected shipping volume in the hundreds of thousands, is not necessarily hindered by its high price.

This kind of innovation will naturally elicit diverse opinions. For instance, if you’re technically inclined, consider the capabilities of Apple’s R1 chip and its ability to stream new images to the display in just 12 milliseconds. Engineers should understand the significance of this!

Let’s put it this way: the simple act of blinking takes almost a hundred milliseconds. Even getting a smartphone to respond within 10 milliseconds is challenging, let alone rendering and displaying on the screen afterward!

On the other hand, if you’re more inclined towards creativity, consider the potential of Apple’s visionOS. What kind of API capabilities does it provide, and what explosive applications might the future App Store give birth to? These are unknowns.

In the end, this device is called a spatial computing device. Before this, what we knew as augmented reality (AR) primarily involved showcasing pre-designed virtual objects and integrating them into the real world. However, with Vision Pro, real-time computation is now a reality.

Apple’s official demo includes immersive spatial construction, allowing you to sit on the edge of a cliff and watch a giant screen movie.

When I see some people making “objective and rational” analyses of Vision Pro, it reminds me of the “objective and rational” reactions when Apple introduced the M1 chip in 2020. However, in less than three years, Apple transitioned its entire Mac lineup to the Apple Silicon M-series chips.

Regarding Vision Pro, I recommend checking out the official website for firsthand information. For a product scheduled to be released next year, there’s hardly any reference value without official data.

Apple Vision Pro

In simple terms, Apple is pioneering a new product category. Don’t immediately compare it to products like Oculus Quest and Hololens; they are not in the same category.

Put it this way: Apple didn’t venture into this without substantial groundwork. A product like this doesn’t just materialize in a year or two; it requires years of meticulous development!

In the face of such a product, don’t rush to dismiss it. After all, it’s easier to polish flagship phones based on the iPhone’s foundation. It’s not as likely to develop an iPhone from a feature phone!

In my opinion, let’s consider this as the iPhone 4s for a better understanding! Initial products are not cheap, and they cannot be flawlessly designed in every aspect. It’s also true that the first-generation product’s completeness is limited. However, this doesn’t negate its contributions, such as the stainless steel frame, iCloud synchronization ahead of its time, and the App Store’s software development standards.

The significance of Vision Pro lies in its creation of a new product category, a new mode of interaction, and a well-designed framework, operating system, software form, and the boundaries it can reach right from the start.

In other words, Apple Vision Pro is to the iPhone what foldable screens are to Android phones. It’s evident which one is more impressive!

What many people are genuinely interested in is the playability of the Apple Vision Pro.

Clearly, Apple and Google didn’t create WeChat, TikTok, Zhihu, Quora, Genshin Impact, or Honor of Kings. However, once you have platforms like iOS and Android, countless developers unleash their creativity within those ecosystems.

Now, Apple has created a new platform called visionOS, combining the strengths of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. It also introduces a new App Store under visionOS. The true future lies in the killer applications that will inevitably emerge within this store.

What will these killer applications look like? Clearly, nobody knows, and even if they did, they couldn’t share it!

For now, the most valuable references come from Apple’s own demos, which provide a direction for the product’s development.

Vision Pro can seamlessly integrate traditional apps into the real world.

It can even provide shadows and lighting effects for real-world objects, delivering the refined Apple experience.

It can offer more extensive screen experiences for workaholics and tech enthusiasts. Do you want to adjust the size of the screen on the fly? Do you want a portable large screen monitor?

With its immersive cinematic effects, watching Isaac Asimov’s Foundation might feel entirely different!

Or just enjoy nature indoors. Vision Pro’s audio unit can provide personalized spatial audio, making you feel like you’re really there. Plus, two Micro OLED screens that are essentially like having two 4K+ resolution big TVs right in front of your eyes. This is a next-level immersive experience!

You can set up a giant screen anytime, anywhere. You can play your family’s videos wherever you want.

Whether you’re video chatting with family and friends or having a video conference with colleagues and bosses, whether you want portraits or a big screen, one device handles it all.

Most importantly, you’re never detached from the real world, as the digital and real worlds are always interconnected.

Even if you don’t want to spend $3500 on this device, you’ll still benefit from Apple’s research and development efforts. Smart manufacturers will quickly catch up and learn from it!

Don’t just focus on the present; as long as the direction is right, the future holds promise!

Advantages of Vision Pro

Like Apple’s other products, Vision Pro has an unparalleled ancestral advantage: content ecosystem.

Content Ecosystem

This " content ecosystem " includes, but is not limited to, the App Store software ecosystem, AR/VR gaming ecosystem, Apple’s 3D media content ecosystem, and more. Specifically, it encompasses applications designed and developed specifically for Apple Vision Pro, AR/VR consumer content, a wide range of AR/VR gaming resources, including VR animation videos created specifically for Apple by companies like Disney, various 3D videos produced or signed by Apple, spatial videos shot on iPhones, and more. Only with a relatively rich and comprehensive array of consumer content can one truly engage and utilize the device. Otherwise, it’s just a dull and monotonous head-mounted display, with nothing particularly impressive beyond screen mirroring for watching movies.

Vision Pro

Providing users with a clear, rich, and comprehensive set of use cases is Apple’s consistent approach when launching new products or features. Conducting technology research and product promotion with a focus on practical applications is more pragmatic than dazzling users with technology and leaving them to find use cases themselves.

Vision Pro

Brief Personal Perspective

Regarding Apple Vision Pro, I hold a cautiously optimistic view. Although Vision Pro excels in hardware design and configuration, software, and content ecosystem, its price is undeniably high, which will inevitably impact its initial sales. However, there is also a possibility that Apple is not interested in dominating the majority of the market and aims to position itself at the high-end with this price, replicating the strategy seen with iPhones where a 20% market share captures 80% of the profits.

Interested, but can’t afford it.

I’m waiting for Vision, Vision Air, Vision Mini, or Vision SE.

XR Technology: Apple’s Cutting-Edge Hardware and Software

1. The current XR headset hardware sets the bar high with dual 4K micro-OLED screens, M2+R2 processing, eye tracking, and over a dozen sensors.

2. The software for XR headsets also reaches new heights with complete interaction logic, a wide range of APIs, top-notch system UI design, and unparalleled developer appeal.

3. XR product sales may not match those of smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, or TWS earbuds. This could potentially be one of Apple’s lowest-selling products, especially considering its $3499 price tag. However, the initial release is likely to find buyers among wealthy individuals and KOLs.

4. Maintaining the current XR experience will be challenging for a lower-cost version of Vision Pro because essential components like M2+R2 for performance and latency, eye tracking, and external sensors are integral to VisionOS. The only areas for cost-cutting may be in materials, appearance, and potentially lowering the quality of the external display (perhaps using 2D Memojis). Vision Pro still resembles TDK in many ways.

5. Vision Pro is not the sole solution in the XR product lineup. It cannot cater to travel and sports scenarios due to its weight, thickness, external battery power, and the fact that it goes completely black when the power is cut off. Apple may explore other product categories in the future, but they might also stick to this path.

6. The way Apple Store showcases these products is intriguing. Presently, some Apple Stores don’t allow you to experience different watchbands, especially the single-loop ones, for Apple Watch. Considering that Vision Pro involves adjustments to the face mask and lenses, it raises questions about the in-store experience.

7. In the next few years, it’s unlikely that Vision Pro will replace smartphones as the personal digital hub. With its small market size and high price, it’s not a replacement that most people should anticipate, especially when Apple Watch offers a more accessible alternative.

8. VisionOS, while impressive, still primarily relies on 2D card projection for interaction. It remains to be seen whether this approach is for rapid software development or if XR content expansion is on the horizon.

This summarizes the key points. Additional information may be added later. In China, it will take some time for these products to become available, and I eagerly await Apple’s more affordable solution, as the current offering is clearly not within reach for the average user.

Vision Pro: A Unique Proposition for North America

The North American market boasts the highest penetration rate for streaming subscriptions, and Vision Pro’s audiovisual performance is on par with flagship OLED TVs, such as the LG C series – even some segments of Apple’s product launches use this model.

In essence, Vision Pro is a portable 4K uOLED TV. Compared to the common OST glasses in the market at around $2000, its 6-DoF (Six Degrees of Freedom) stabilization is far superior to the 3-DoF stabilization that requires external support. This is why it dares to claim to offer an exceptional viewing experience even on airplanes. Moreover, its Field of View (FoV) and Pixels Per Degree (PPD) performance significantly outshine OST glasses.

Certainly, such products come at a higher price point than Vision Pro. However, Vision Pro is primarily positioned as a head-mounted computer. The ecosystem of visionOS is much more robust than OST’s TV box and even surpasses the built-in Android systems of Pico/Quest devices, which, if you’ve used them, are often considered less capable. Quest 3’s multi-window feature, for instance, is more like a toy.

As for apps, there’s no need for concern. iPad apps are directly compatible, and with a plethora of SwiftUI/UIKit apps now supporting both iPad and Mac platforms, users accustomed to working on an iPad can seamlessly transition without the constraints of screen size.

I’m not optimistic, but I will definitely buy it.

This thing is a culmination of technology for civilian digital products. As a coder, I want to show my respect by buying one and playing with it, no matter what.

Of course, if by any chance it can be worn on the head without discomfort, you can use it as a display for your Mac to write code, which would be a huge win.

The current problem is that I can’t find a reliable purchasing agent.

Apple Vision Pro: Early Release and Features

CES 2024 has arrived as scheduled, with Apple surprisingly stealing the spotlight. It’s well known that Apple has never participated in CES (Consumer Electronics Show). They timed their announcement one day before CES opening, clearly aiming to make headlines and grab attention.

On January 8th, Apple’s official website announced the launch schedule for Vision Pro[1]:

• Pre-orders start on January 19th, with availability in the US on February 2nd.
• Starting at $3499, with a base model featuring 256GB of storage.

The release date is notably earlier than previously anticipated. In fact, a few days earlier, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg had already hinted at the Vision Pro launch in his Power On newsletter[2]:

He also mentioned:

• 2 to 4 retail employees from Apple stores across the US have flown to Cupertino for secret product training.
• On January 21st, all US stores will hold a rare three-hour meeting for all employees. By that week, retail stores will receive new stock shelves and updated backend equipment.
• Last month, Luxshare Precision held a Vision Pro delivery ceremony.
• Although Apple stated that Vision Pro would be available in other countries “later in 2024,” it is expected to be sooner. The company is considering China, Canada, and the UK as the initial markets to receive the device.

According to Apple’s announcement, Vision Pro boasts the following features and experiences:

• Spatial Operating System and Interface: Vision Pro runs on the visionOS operating system designed for spatial computing. Built on the foundations of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, it offers a brand-new three-dimensional user interface and input system, supporting eye, gesture, and voice control. Users can interact intuitively through gestures like gaze, tap, and wrist movements, enabling immersive navigation.

• Infinite Canvas: Thanks to the 3D interface, applications are no longer confined by screen boundaries; they can be freely scaled and displayed side by side in the same space, creating infinite workspaces and multitasking environments. Over a million existing iOS and iPadOS apps automatically adapt to Vision Pro’s new input system, with the App Store offering unique apps optimized for spatial computing.

• Ultimate Entertainment Experience: Equipped with an ultra-high-definition display, each eye sees more pixels than a 4K TV, supporting HDR content playback. Users can enjoy movies and TV shows as if they were in front of a hundred-foot-wide screen. Additionally, Vision Pro introduces the Apple Immersive Video format, capable of 180-degree 3D 8K recording and spatial audio for an immersive movie or interactive content experience.

• Gaming Revolution: In addition to traditional games, Vision Pro also supports new spatial games that allow players to experience unprecedented game interactions in real space, such as Game Room, What the Golf?, and Super Fruit Ninja. Leveraging the device’s powerful capabilities, games extend into the space around the player.

• Memory Replay: Users can capture and relive memorable moments from their lives with Vision Pro. With Spatial Audio, spatial photos, and videos, users can immerse themselves in specific moments from the past. Space videos shot with the iPhone 15 Pro series can be relived on Vision Pro, presenting photos and videos at life-size scale with exceptional color and detail.

• Immersive FaceTime: FaceTime calls on Vision Pro use spatial features, making callers appear life-size with precise sound positioning. Users are displayed as Persona avatars, generated using machine learning technology, reflecting users' facial expressions and gestures in real-time. This feature is also compatible with third-party video conferencing apps like Zoom, Cisco Webex, and Microsoft Teams.

In terms of design, Vision Pro adopts a modular design for personalized comfort. It features an ultra-high-resolution dual-screen system using micro-OLED technology, with each small screen the size of a postage stamp boasting up to 23 million pixels, wide color gamut, and high dynamic range display effects. Coupled with custom lenses and advanced spatial audio, it provides an astonishing visual and auditory experience. The product includes a high-performance eye-tracking system and EyeSight functionality, allowing users to switch freely between the virtual and real worlds while maintaining awareness of their surroundings.

The early release of Vision Pro may only pose one problem: I haven’t saved enough money to buy it yet… After all, the top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max (1TB) is only $1599, while $3599 is equivalent to an M3 Max MacBook Pro (14-core CPU + 30-core GPU + 36GB + 2TB), currently priced at ¥29999. Vision Pro’s pricing is likely to be around ¥30,000, which is enough to buy a high-end PC with a 4090. Sales to ordinary users may not be high, apart from wealthy individuals and tech enthusiasts.

References:

Apple’s Most Anticipated Product in a Decade, Vision Pro Headset, to Have a Groundbreaking First Release: What Impact Will It Have on the VR Industry and Which A-Share Companies Will Benefit First?

Apple Vision Pro: Market Performance, Second Generation Hints, and Key Features

According to Guo Mingchi, an analyst from Tianfeng International, it’s estimated that around 500,000 units of Vision Pro will be shipped in 2024.

Vision Pro is an MR (Mixed Reality) device:

Although Apple officially targets the consumer market, it has also showcased some enterprise-level applications, including augmented reality applications for indoor spaces. So, besides a few affluent gamers and tech enthusiasts, I believe that some professional developers and corporate users will also become buyers of the first-generation Vision Pro.

So, if it can actually sell 500,000 units, it can be considered a significant success in the market, considering the hefty price tag of $3499 for the 256GB storage version, which is roughly around ¥25,000!

However, there are already some rumors about the second generation Vision Pro. It’s said that the second generation Vision Pro will include four models, one of which will be an advanced version of the first generation, targeting the high-end market, and another will be an affordable version.

The hardware cost of Vision Pro is estimated to be around $1700, although it’s challenging to determine the exact R&D costs, which are undoubtedly substantial. So, when the second-generation Vision Pro is launched, the R&D costs will likely decrease significantly, making it logical to introduce a “budget version” with lower hardware costs.

As for the highlights of this device, here’s a brief summary:

• Vision Pro uses micro-OLED screens with over 23 million pixels, offering single-eye resolution exceeding 4K, and it allows users to switch between Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) using a knob located on the side of the headset.

• It’s powered by Apple’s in-house dual chips: M2 and R1 chips, with the latter dedicated to processing data from built-in sensors, cameras, and microphones. Users can use the headset without controllers because it supports eye, head, and hand tracking.

• It can display movies and TV shows from services like Apple TV+, Disney+, Max, and others on a screen up to 100 feet wide and supports HDR content.

• It can be powered by a wired connection or an external battery (providing around 2.5 hours of 2D video playback).

• The starting price for the 256GB storage version is $3499, with Zeiss optical lenses available for $99 (reading lenses) and $149 (prescription lenses).

• VisionOS provides access to over a million cross-compatible iOS and iPadOS applications. In other words, some common apps on iPhones and iPads can also be used on Vision Pro.

• The camera on the iPhone 15 Pro can capture “space videos” using the ultra-wide and main cameras and play them on the Vision Pro headset.

Can Vision Pro become a revolutionary product for “personal computing devices”?

I believe it has the potential, but not this year, and perhaps not even in the next five years.