Apple has announced a US launch date for its mixed reality headset, Vision Pro.
Pre-orders will begin on January 19, ahead of its launch on February 2.
AppleVision Pro will be available online and at all US Apple Store locations, starting at $3,499 with 256GB of storage.
Billed as Apple’s “first spatial computer”,Vision Pro was announcedduring the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference last summer, when it said the headset would debut in the US before launching in more countries later in 2024.
“Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created,” Apple bossTim Cookclaimed in a press release on Monday. “Its revolutionary and magical user interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore.”
The headset features a new 3D user interface and input system “controlled entirely by a user’s eyes, hands, and voice”, according to Apple.
“Intuitive gestures allow users to interact with apps by simply looking at them, tapping their fingers to select, flicking their wrist to scroll, or using a virtual keyboard or dictation to type. With Siri, users can quickly open or close apps, play media, and more.”
Over one million apps acrossiOSand iPadOS are available on Apple Vision Pro.
On the gaming front, Apple said: “Hit games like NBA2K24 Arcade Edition and Sonic Dream Team can be played on a screen as large as they want with incredible audio and support for popular game controllers.
“New spatial games, including Game Room, What the Golf?, and Super Fruit Ninja, take advantage of the powerful capabilities of Apple Vision Pro to transform the space around players, offering unique and engaging gameplay experiences.”
According to aFinancial Timesreport published last summer, Apple once had an internal sales target of one million units during Vision Pro’s first year on the market.
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However, it wasclaimed this figure had been more than halvedalong with Apple’s production target for the headset, due to the complexity of its design and manufacturing difficulties.
Apple was also said to be working on future generations of the headset, including a cheaper version with Korean display makers Samsung and LG.
