Tim Cook says Apple Vision Pro ‘marks the beginning of a new era for computing’

Apple CEO Tim Cook has said Apple Vision Pro, the iPhone maker’s all-new, highly-anticipated mixed-reality headset is “years ahead and unlike anything created before,” marking “the beginning of a new era for computing.”

Unveiled at WWDC23 on Monday, the Apple Vision Pro mixed-reality headset blends digital content with the physical world through a fully three-dimensional user interface controlled by a user’s eyes, hands, and voice.

The device is made from a singular piece of three-dimensionally formed laminated glass with an aluminum alloy frame that curves to wrap a user’s face. The device features an array of advanced cameras and sensors that work together to enable the mixed-reality experience, and speakers are positioned close to a users ears to deliver Spatial Audio to create life-like three-dimensional environments.

Image: Apple

In a press release celebrating the grand unveiling, Cook said “Just as the Mac introduced us to personal computing, and iPhone introduced us to mobile computing, Apple Vision Pro introduces us to spatial computing.”

Today marks the beginning of a new era for computing. Just as the Mac introduced us to personal computing, and iPhone introduced us to mobile computing, Apple Vision Pro introduces us to spatial computing. Built upon decades of Apple innovation, Vision Pro is years ahead and unlike anything created before — with a revolutionary new input system and thousands of groundbreaking innovations. It unlocks incredible experiences for our users and exciting new opportunities for our developers.

The new Apple Vision Pro headset runs a software called visionOS, which is heavily inspired by macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. visionOS features a brand-new three-dimensional interface controlled by a person’s eyes, hands, and voice. Users can browse through apps by simply looking at them, tapping their fingers to select, flicking their wrist to scroll, or using voice to dictate.

Image: Apple

Vision Pro also features EyeSight, an innovation that helps users stay connected with those around them. When a person approaches someone wearing Vision Pro, the device feels transparent — letting the user see them while also displaying the user’s eyes. When a user is immersed in an environment or using an app, EyeSight gives visual cues to others about what the user is focused on.

The headset features Optic ID, a new secure authentication system that analyzes a user’s iris under various invisible LED light exposures, and then compares it to the enrolled Optic ID data that is protected by the Secure Enclave to instantly unlock Apple Vision Pro, similar to how Face ID scans a user’s face to unlock an iPhone.

Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499, and will be available early next year in the US, with more countries coming later next year.