Apple Vision Pro: Preorders Open in January, Official Launch Set for February

Apple has officially announced the upcoming launch of its high-end Vision Pro headset in the US on February 2, with preorders set to begin on January 19. Priced at $3,499, the Vision Pro is significantly more costly than other virtual reality headsets currently available on the market. In fact, this price is equivalent to the cost of purchasing seven Meta Quest 3 128GB headsets or around five of the 512GB models, leaving just enough budget to host a fun VR party.

Internally, the Vision Pro is equipped with two proprietary Apple chips--an M2 Ultra and an R1 chip--in addition to sensors, cameras, and a 4K display for each eye. One notable feature that sets this headset apart from others is its ability to provide both virtual and augmented reality experiences by simply toggling the side-mounted switch.

You can navigate through apps using voice and gesture commands, eliminating the need for a controller. The EyeSight external display renders your eyes so you can interact with non-VR people without removing the headset. The headset runs on Apple's VisionOS operating system and supports 3D games, apps, and videos recorded with the iPhone 15 Pro. It can be used in tethered or untethered modes, and Zeiss Optical Inserts will be available for those with specific vision needs, starting at $99 per set.

For those who find $3,500 too expensive, rumors suggest that a more affordable Vision Pro will be released after the main model. The Verge reports that Apple may eliminate the external display, utilize lower-resolution screens, and an iPhone-quality chip to lower the price to $1,500.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of technology and innovation, I am incredibly excited about the upcoming launch of Apple's Vision Pro headset. The device promises to revolutionize the VR and AR industry with its cutting-edge features and capabilities. The fact that it offers both virtual and augmented reality experiences in one device is particularly impressive, providing users with the best of both worlds. The integration of voice and gesture commands for navigation further enhances the user experience, making it more intuitive and immersive.

However, I must admit that the $3,500 price tag is quite steep and may limit the accessibility of the Vision Pro for many consumers. While I understand that the device is packed with advanced technology, the cost is still significantly higher compared to other VR headsets on the market. I hope that Apple will consider offering more affordable options in the future to make the Vision Pro more widely accessible to tech enthusiasts and consumers alike.