Apple Vision Pro – What We Know Vs What We Don’t Know January 3, 2024

Posted by Maniac in Editorials.
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Six months ago, Apple announced their next major product will be the Vision Pro, an augmented reality computing device. In case you missed it, or wanted your memory refreshed about the Vision Pro, here’s the initial reveal video.

UPDATE: Apple has made some announcements earlier today. We are updating this list with some new known information. Updates will be emphasized.

UPDATE 2: Apple has made MORE announcements since preorders have begun. We will include those as well.

Since that videos’ release Apple has revealed nothing further about the Vision Pro. Rumors have speculated it could release as soon as the end of the month, but we have no official release date, and as of the time this article is being written, Apple has not done further promotion of the device. In the event the rumors are true and the Vision Pro will launch within the next month, we decided to offer our readers a look into what we currently know and what we currently don’t know about the Vision Pro. This way, consumers will have a better idea about the device, and will hopefully assist in their decision whether or not to purchase one.

What We Know:

Price – $3499US. This was set in stone at announcement.

Hardware – Vision Pro offers two Ultra High Definition (UHD) OLED displays running on an M2 processor promising full 360 degree 3D heads up display with facial, eye and hand tracking. The Vision Pro’s head strap includes two virtual 3D surround over the ear speakers.

Compatibility – Vision Pro is shipping with an internal M2 chip, which in theory is capable of running all programs that support Apple Silicon including apps made for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It will also offer 3D movie playback for supported films and applications. It will run a custom OS capable of running native applications such as Disney+, FaceTime, and Keynote. You will also be able to save and run 3D video files from iPhone 15 Pro to it using AirDrop.

Power – Vision Pro’s battery is (thankfully) external and can be swapped out and replaced with either an alternate battery or an AC adapter.

Bluetooth: It will also support external Bluetooth accessories such as a PS5 controller, wireless keyboard, touchpad or your existing AirPods.

Mac Integration: It can be paired to a Mac computer by simply glancing at its screen, turning the Vision Pro into a virtual external monitor.

What We Don’t Know:

Internal Storage – UPDATE: 256GB stock internal storage. An independent computing device capable of recording video and running independent applications requires internal storage. At this time, Apple has not revealed how much internal storage the Vision Pro will have. We are currently operating under the assumption Apple is only going to offer one model of Vision Pro at launch, and that belief, given its price point, and the fact it is unlikely Vision Pro will be able to expand its memory (as this is something Apple has not allowed for any of their devices for years), the Vision Pro will likely need to offer AN ENORMOUS amount of stock internal storage.

Battery – UPDATE: Around two hours of use on a fully charged single battery. Despite having a modular battery, we still don’t know how long the battery life or charging times for the Vision Pro will be. Apple has confirmed they will sell extra battery packs that can be swapped, giving it some extended battery life on the go, but I do have some concern “hot swapping” the external batteries will shut the Vision Pro off and force it to restart. UPDATE2: Apple will allow charging of Vision Pro while in use, theoretically this could allow hot-swapping of battery.

Applications – Apple promised only a few native applications were coming to Vision Pro during their initial announcement, but since the device was announced, they have offered development tool kits to third-party developers. Currently, Disney+ and ESPN are the only two third-party applications confirmed for Vision Pro, but Apple has confirmed applications you expect on your other Apple Devices such as Music, FaceTime, Keynote, and Mindfulness will be included. UPDATE: You will be able to use native applications including the ones listed above. iPad applications, with the exception of YouTube, Netflix and Spotify will be supported.

Games – The Vision Pro will support the Apple Arcade service, same as it is on existing devices, but we have heard nothing about any third-party games being made natively FOR the Vision Pro. This is a big issue, as 360 VR gaming would be a game changer on this device. I bought a Quest Pro for its compatibility with Quest 2 games, the fact that it plays well with productivity software was a nice bonus. The Vision Pro needs native games if they want to really justify its price. UPDATE: A dinosaur tech demo will be pre installed in all Vision Pro units.

Native Video Content – Disney+ has confirmed 3D movie support will be offered through their application on Disney’s catalog of 3D films. At this time there are no 3D films offered through the Apple TV+ service, but Apple confirmed they will begin selling 3D feature films purchased and rented through their digital marketplace. Personally, I would like to see original 3D films produced for the headset. I have asked around to some filmmaker friends what their opinions would be about making 3D short films for the headset, but no announcements of any independent Vision Pro video content have been made at this time. UPDATE: As listed above, Netflix, Spotify and YouTube will not have Vision Pro compatible applications at launch. Other providers are expected to either launch with a native application, or you will be able to use the iPad application on the Vision Pro. UPDATE 2: You will not need to pay extra to upgrade a previously purchased iTunes movie to watch in 3D if it supports 3D on Vision Pro.

Release Date – UPDATE: February 2nd, 2024. Apple announced the Vision Pro will ship in Early 2024, and heavily hinted about a late January/early February release. At this time, we have had no confirmation of an actual release date, but if Apple treats the Vision Pro similar to an iPhone/iPad release, hopefully we won’t have to wait much longer than a week from its announcement to its launch.