Apple Vision Pro Available Now, Era of Spatial Computing Begins

The long-awaited and futuristic Apple Vision Pro is now available everywhere in the United States. Apple CEO Tim Cook held a launch party at the flagship Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City on February 2 to debut the most important Apple product launch since the iPad (January 2010). The Vision Pro is what Apple calls “spatial computing, ” a mixed-reality wearable headset powered by VisionOS. At $3,499, the headset is hardly affordable but is already blowing the minds of those wearing it – and the public when they see people using it.

Despite the cost, Cook is bullish on the Vision Pro resonating so strongly with potential buyers that they’ll seemingly find a way to afford one.

“People can spread their payments out over time, and so that’s one affordability kind of thing,” Cook said, referring to an Apple monthly financing plan that buyers can choose. “It’s chock-full of invention. It’s got 5,000 patents on it.” Indeed, Apple started filing patents for the Vision Pro all the way back in 2007, when the company was working on the original iPhone.

Until now, virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) headsets such as Meta’s Quest 3 (formerly Oculus) were reserved for tech wonks and niche video games. It wasn’t intended for productivity, collaboration, or blending the virtual with the physical world. But it was targeting a different price point, and thus, buyer at $499 vs. Apple’s Vision Pro at $3,499.

Enter the Vision Pro. The Vision Pro comprises multiple Apple silicon chips, lenticular layers, lenses, and cameras, among many other components, to deliver users anything from theater viewing experiences to multiple virtual working desktop areas and so much more.

If you want a complete breakdown of the Vision Pro’s components, look no further than iFixit’s teardown video.

Early Reviews of the Vision Pro and VisionOS

While I’ve yet to use a Vision Pro, the reviews and tech journalists are starting to publish their experiences and criticisms of the headset.

The good: Many, if not all, are remarking on just how futuristic and transformative the Vision Pro is. Some call it “as ground-shaking as when the first Macintosh” was released in 1984. Others proclaim it’s truly the leap forward in technology we’ve all been anticipating, and it naturally integrates with Apple’s ecosystem. It’s ideal for working in virtual desktop environments, collaborating, watching movies or videos, and even cooking.

The bad: As the Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern said, it’s heavy, the dangling cord with the attached battery pack is annoying (and requires recharging every two to three hours), and it’s not meant to be worn by anyone who wears glasses. And to beat the dead horse, yes, it’s very expensive.

VisionOS App Support: 600+ Apps on Launch

Over 600 apps are supported for VisionOS at launch, notably including sports broadcasting apps like PGA Tour, NBA, MLS Pass, ESPN, NBC Sports, and UFC. Major movie and tv streaming services like Amazon Prime, Disney+, Max (formerly HBO Max), Discovery+, Paramount+, and Hulu are all available at launch.

So far, you won’t see officially supported Netflix and YouTube on VisionOS. However, Vision Pro owners can easily use Safari to view YouTube or an independently created YouTube app for VisionOS.

Test the Vision Pro at an Apple Store

Apple offers potential customers free demonstrations of the Vision Pro at supporting Apple Stores given by employees. The demonstrations are 25 minutes long, with no requirement to buy. But you’ll need to register ahead of time and be willing to wait in long lines.

While it might be the hottest new piece of tech on the market, only you know whether it’s worth the sticker price and street cred of being a first-generation owner.