apple’s vision pro VR headset is finally here, now what?

Apple releases Vision Pro VR headset in the US

Apple Vision Pro officially launched on February 2nd, 2024, across the US, and users got to experience the dubbed VR headset. Now that it’s finally here, what have the users experienced with the 3,500 USD gadget that aims to blend digital content with the physical world using spatial offerings? Before the launch, Apple said that its Vision Pro is packed with more than 600 new spatial experiences that users navigate with their eyes, hands, and voice. These experiences include transforming any room into a personal theater for sports, TV shows, and films and opening up the digital doors so users with Apple Vision Pro can collaborate, create, and view digital content together. Since its launch, some users have aired their initial thoughts on the new Apple product and its pilot Vision Pro VR headset.

images and video stills courtesy of Apple

Apple Vision Pro users weigh in on its features

Users appreciate the high-resolution display of Apple’s Vision Pro, claiming that its contrast, colors, and dynamic range stand out enough to make it resemble a high-end TV. This also entails that the VR headset’s entertainment display in terms of streaming is of optimal quality, making them feel as if they were watching from their upgraded home entertainment space. Other users reported that the gameplay, especially if they are 3D-capable, is stark and realistic and also showed how it can look like as a work, game, and entertainment space at once. On the other hand, mixed reviews have also come in as users weigh in on the other features that Apple introduced for its Vision Pro, including the claim on the pixel smear that may affect the sharpness of the visuals.

Users appreciate the high-resolution display of Apple’s Vision Pro

When they tested out Apple’s Vision Pro, some of them felt the VR headset may be a bit heavy compared to other similar devices, yet fans were quick to defend that adjustments could be made to make it bearable to put on for a long time. Those who had their in-store demo were divided too as some of them enjoyed the high-resolution display of the passthrough, noting its lifelike quality, while others felt that it was dim and grainy. Users even compared the experience with looking through binoculars but having to need to wear them the entire time. The gestures and navigation, including pinching and eye tracking, gathered divisive thoughts too as some felt they were on point but others expressed their concerns that they were not accurate enough to follow their commands.

some users comment on the pixel smear that may affect the sharpness of the visuals

VR headset with immersive and spatial experiences

To dive into an overview, Apple also offers its Vision Pro users ultra-high-resolution displays given that the screen per eye of the VR headset delivers more pixels than a 4K TV and makes them feel as if they were navigating a 100-foot screen. Sports fans may appreciate the VR headset’s apps like PGA TOUR Vision, NBA, MLB, and Red Bull TV, to name a few. These apps can provide them with real-time shot tracking that is layered on top of 3D models of real golf courses alongside leaderboards, scorecards, schedules, course information, and other tournament details. They can also broadcast live or on-demand basketball games or immerse the users in a ballpark with a view from home plate and stats from each pitch.

the VR headset’s entertainment display in terms of streaming is dubbed of optimal quality

Other streaming services that Apple Vision Pro offers include Charter Spectrum, Comcast Xfinity, ESPN, CBS, Paramount+, NBC, NBC Sports, Peacock, FOX Sports, and the UFC. Disney+ and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max made it to the list of apps the VR headset can run at the moment, so families can watch original TV shows and movies, breaking news, and live sports with select titles available in 4K and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. Since the Vision Pro is made by Apple, no wonder the Apple TV app is there too, equipped with Apple Immersive Video, which puts viewers right inside the action with 180-degree, 8K 3D recordings captured with Spatial Audio.

pinching and eye tracking gathered divisive thoughts too

Those who need to work or get their creative juices running, Apple thinks its Vision Pro can become their digital workspace, a step away from the physical use of a laptop or computer. Using the VR headset, the users can still share files and even 3D projects in a big and shared space on platforms like Box and let their ideas float on the screen like thought bubbles on MindNode, so they can organize what they are thinking visually. Apps like OmniFocus and OmniPlan show them their to-do lists and plans in giant windows, and there’s also JigSpace that lets them create presentations with 3D objects, videos, and pictures. Navi can even translate conversations in real-time, so they can read what people around them are saying.

When they tested out Apple’s Vision Pro, some users felt the VR headset may be a bit heavy

Gamers can unite since Apple Vision Pro expands the display for gameplay. Apple hopes this experience can make the gaming feel bigger and more immersive since the users can play games that use the space they are in, making them feel as if they were part of the action. So far, Apple announced that its VR headset can run more than 250 games, and all of these games function without the need for a controller since the users’ hands and gestures will carry them out. As of publishing the story, Apple’s VR headset Vision Pro is priced at around 3,500 USD, and its release outside the US in 2024 is still yet to be announced.