Is Apple Vision Pro VR or AR? Everything you need to know about the headset

Unveiled at the 2023 WWDC conference, the headset showcased a number of features that harnesses the power of a spacial operating system called visionOS that creates a multi-dimensional 3D interface in front of the wearer.

With a release date now on the horizon, what can you expect from the headset and when will it be available in each respective country? From its vast number of features and uses to its price point, here’s everything you need to know.

Apple Vision Pro is Apple’s new headset, a type of augmented reality glasses that blends the real and digital world together.

Its key feature is it shows the wearer a video view of the world around them, and can be used in a huge variety of ways, from communication to entertainment and productivity. The headset will show you apps and entertainment sources right in front of your eyes and can capture and display photos and videos in 3D.

Apple calls Vision Pro the company’s first “spacial computer” in that it presents a fully three-dimensional user interface controlled by a user’s eyes, hands, and voice, all powered by an operating system called visionOS which allows its wearers to interact with digital content in a way that feels like it is physically present in their space.

In addition, Vision Pro also features the company’s first 3D camera. Users can access their entire photo library on iCloud, and immerse themselves in their photos and videos at a life-size scale. Every Panorama shot on an iPhone expands and wraps around the user, creating the sensation they are standing right where it was taken.

Vision Pro does both AR and VR. It’s mainly an AR device that uses the technology to display virtual elements in the real world, but it also has the ability to switch to VR, or virtual reality, using a dial.

This allows wearers to switch between a mixed-reality mode - seeing more of the real world - or a virtual-reality mode which offers more face-computing capabilities.

Yes, the headset can play augmented and virtual reality games, although it was largely downplayed at the company’s annual WWDC conference.

Vision Pro is compatible with controllers such as PlayStation 5 DualSense, but the key announcement is that it will feature over 100 Apple Arcade games at launch, with one notable game being NBA 2K23.

While the headset can handle gaming, it’s generally being billed as a device that has multiple uses, from handling everyday tasks such as writing emails to VR FaceTime and watching movies “on a screen that feels 100 feet wide,” including Disney Plus streaming.

The Apple Vision Pro headset is equipped with two chipsets, namely the M2 and the new R1. These chipsets are responsible for handling regular software operations and XR capabilities, respectively.

In addition to these advanced chips, the Vision Pro incorporates high-definition 4K micro-OLED displays. Each eye is provided with its own display, delivering approximately 23 million pixels per eye. Apple claims that the Vision Pro's display is capable of fitting 64 pixels into the same space that a single pixel occupies on the iPhone's screen. This innovation aims to eliminate the bothersome screen-door effect commonly experienced with other VR headsets.

The screen-door effect occurs when one is in close proximity to a screen, and the gaps between the pixels in the display become visible. With the higher pixel density of the Vision Pro, users can get closer to the display before noticing this effect.

The headset can be used for a number of different daily tasks, from FaceTiming to movie-watching.

One of the main ways Vision Pro operates is by displaying apps in a three-dimensional interface, allowing the wearer to multi-task and access their favorite apps in a whole new way.

Users can watch movies and TV shows in 4K and in 180-degree high-resolution with Spatial Audio, a form of digital surround sound from Apple where different sounds appear to envelop you from all directions without the use of headphones.

Wearers can also transform any space into their own personal movie theatre with a screen that feels 100 feet wide. Additionally, you’ll also be able to play over 100 Apple Arcade games.

The Spacial Audio technology is also available when viewing back photographs and media through iCloud. FaceTime too is greatly enhanced by the technology. While participants on the call are reflected in life-size tiles, Spatial Audio makes it sound like they are speaking right from where they are positioned.

Vision Pro is also able to scan your face and use that data to create a realistic Persona avatar which reflects your face and hand movements in real time and can be used in a variety of apps.

The headset also adopts a handy feature called EyeSight that helps users stay connected with those around them. When a person approaches someone wearing Vision Pro, the device displays a video of your eyes inside the goggles, so you can emote. If you’re currently immersed in an experience or app, however, the headset will give out visual cues to others to indicate that you’re busy.

Apple Vision Pro can’t be used wirelessly for long periods of time, so while you can plug the device into the wall, if you want to use the battery attachment you’ll need to keep in mind that it only lasts two hours.

No, Vision Pro will not support wearing glasses at the same time as using the device. Users will need to remove their spectacles before they use the headset and use custom inserts instead.

Apple has partnered with Zeiss to offer optical inserts that can be customized to each person's prescription. The inserts will attach to the Vision Pro lenses magnetically, allowing for precise viewing and eye tracking. These will be sold separately to the device.

Apple Vision Pro will be available in the United States in early 2024.

Currently there has been no set date announced for other countries but it is stated that late 2024 is likely to see the Vision Pro headset roll out beyond the U.S.

Apple will sell the Vision Pro for $3,499 when it launches early next year.