Apple is set to launch the revolutionary Vision Pro headset in the US on February 2nd, marking the company’s foray into spatial computing. Priced at $3,499 for 256GB of storage, the headset will be available for pre-order on January 19th and can be purchased at US Apple Store locations and the online store. The anticipated release of the VR and augmented reality device is a significant moment for Apple, especially in light of the recent $175 billion market value erosion and analyst downgrades that led to a stock sell-off.
CEO Tim Cook hailed the Apple Vision Pro as the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created, introducing a groundbreaking user interface that will transform how people connect, create, and explore. This anticipated hardware expansion is crucial for Apple at a time when older hardware categories are reaching maturity, and the company is facing skepticism from some observers regarding the future demand for its devices. Despite this, bullish backers see significant potential for Apple’s growth, particularly in its services segment.
The Vision Pro runs on a new operating system called visionOS and boasts a three-dimensional user interface with inputs controlled by the user’s eyes, hands, and voice. It will compete directly with Meta’s Quest headsets, setting the stage for a battle between two American tech giants in the rapidly evolving landscape of augmented and virtual reality technologies. With Silicon Valley positioning augmented and virtual reality as the next frontier alongside the rapid development of generative AI, Apple’s entry into this space carries significant implications for the technology industry as a whole.
