In its first significant hardware launch in nearly a decade, Apple has launched the much-anticipated augmented reality headset, Apple Vision Pro.
Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the new headset “seamlessly blends the real and virtual worlds.”
The company also revealed the latest iPhone operating system and MacBook Air improvements.
The headset will cost $3,499 (£2,849) and will be available in the United States beginning early next year.
The announcement was made during a developer’s conference at Apple Park, the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, which was also live streamed on the company’s website and YouTube channel.
‘Snow goggles’
Apple Vision Pro is visually distinct from other similar headsets on the market, resembling a pair of ski goggles rather than a virtual-reality headset.
Apple chose the term “augmented reality” to characterize the new device’s capabilities.
Augmented reality, also known as mixed reality, superimposes virtual things in the actual environment, allowing us to blend reality with virtual reality by viewing through a screen.
According to Mr Cook, the headset allows users to “see, hear, and interact with digital content as if it were in your physical space.”
It is operated by a mix of your hands, eyes, and voice, such as tapping your fingers together to select and flicking your fingers to scroll.
The announcement comes just a week after Meta and Lenovo unveiled new versions of their pre-existing virtual-reality headsets that do not superimpose items on a view of the actual world.
Meta has also made significant investments in mixed reality, but the sector is currently failing.
According to International Data Corporation, the headset market suffered a 54% reduction in global sales last year.
Apple’s most recent major hardware release was the Apple Watch in 2015.
iOS 17
In addition to the Vision Pro announcement, Apple also launched iOS17, the most recent version of its iPhone operating system.
“Contact posters” – a photo or image of yourself that will appear on a person’s phone when you call them – and “live voicemail” – which delivers a real-time transcription of an answerphone message left for you – are among the new features.
This transcription also applies to audio messages sent through Apple Messages.
In addition, Apple has launched a mechanism called Check-In, which will notify a friend or family member when you arrive home.
If your journey is significantly delayed, it has the ability to inform others that you have not yet arrived safely at your destination.
