Apple Vision Pro is an AR headset and Apple’s first “spatial computer.” Revealed at WWDC23 and released on Feb. 2, 2024, the $3,499 mixed-reality headset wins accolades for its high-end hardware and remarkable user interface. A passthrough video system allows augmented reality applications.
Vision Pro runs on visionOS, Apple’s intuitive new operating system designed to enable immersive virtual reality experiences. (Apple calls it the “ultimate entertainment device.”) Users control the headset with their eyes, thanks to the impressive eye‑tracking system, and a handful of simple gestures.
Below is Cult of Mac’s full coverage, including news, how-tos, reviews and opinions.
Apple unveiled its groundbreaking Apple Vision Pro at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2023, and released it to the public eight months later in February 2024.
The Apple Vision Pro stands is a “mixed reality” headset, capable of showing both virtual and augmented reality content. Unlike typical augmented reality glasses, Apple’s headset fully covers the user’s eyes, completely immersing its wearer by blocking out their surroundings entirely.
However, Vision Pro has six external cameras that show the surrounding space, offering users an accurate depiction of their real-world environment. While not transparent like see-through glasses, it effectively presents a lifelike representation of the user’s surroundings using passthrough video.
Inside the headset, users can interact with 3D windows, objects, and content seamlessly integrated into their physical space. Alternatively, the cameras can be deactivated by turning the device’s Digital Crown, immersing users into a fully virtual environment. Apple emphasizes the headset’s versatility, enabling users to work, consume content, engage in gaming, communication, and more, regardless of their location.
Designed to resemble ski goggles, Apple Vision Pro is a high-end headset that blends the digital and physical worlds. Here are some key features:
Apple Vision Pro runs visionOS, a spatial operating system built upon macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. Interactions feel intuitive and magical:
Apple Vision Pro won early praise as a private cinema. Movies and TV shows appear in the headset to be projected onto a giant, 100-foot or larger screen. And with great speakers that support Spatial Audio, the experience is like being inside a private IMAX theater.
Spatial Photos and videos also received high praise. Thanks to the 3D effect, spatial videos and photos enhance the illusion of reliving the moment captured in them. Vision Pro is compatible with iPhone Panoramas, which wrap around the viewer in 180 degrees.
Using FaceTime, participants can collaborate on documents or other work files, bridging the gap between physical and virtual spaces.
Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499. It’s available for purchase in the United States, with a worldwide launch on the horizon.
Cost depends on storage capacity, plus the optional lens inserts (which are usually necessary if you wear glasses).
Cost of Apple Vision Pro Zeiss lens inserts: From $99
United States: Apple Vision Pro first went on sale to the public on February 2, 2024, in the United States.
Worldwide: Availability in other countries has not yet been scheduled.
Based on the language support, it appears Apple will launch the AR/VR headset in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the UK. It might also release the headset in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Weight: 600–650g / 21.2–22.9ozs (Weight depends on Light Seal and head band configuration)
External battery weight: 353g
Interpupillary Distance (IPD): 51–75 mm
Storage capacity:
Displays:
Chips:
Camera:
Sensors:
Optic ID: Biometric authentication based on your iris; encrypted and accessible only to Secure Enclave processor; secures and unlocks device; authenticates purchases from iTunes and App Stores.
Audio:
Audio Playback:
Supported formats: AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos
Video Playback:
Supported formats: HEVC, MV‑HEVC, H.264, HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG
Battery life:
Connectivity and Wireless:
Operating System: visionOS
Input methods:
Supported Input Accessories:
Whether or not you intend to purchase one, we strongly urge you to take a free demo in any Apple retail store.
Since February 2, 2024, Apple has offered free in-store demos of Apple Vision Pro. Here’s a video we made showing what it’s like to get a demo at an Apple store.
The demo lasts 20 to 30 minutes. The demos are guided by an Apple Store employee, who uses an iPad mini to see what you see inside the headset.
If you wear glasses, your demo will began with an Apple staffer scanning your eyeglasses in a special machine that measures the lenses. The machine selects the appropriate corrective lenses to allow you to see properly inside the headset.
The demo is a quick, easy way to experience the Vision Pro and what Apple calls “spatial computing.”
The Apple employees who walk you through the process won’t pressure you to buy a Vision Pro. And you’ll get a fantastic look at Apple’s big bet on the future of computing.
How to set up a store demo: To sign up for a demo, head to Apple’s Vision Pro product page and click the “Book a demo” button. Alternatively, you can use the Apple Store app.
If you don’t want to book ahead, you can take your chances by going to an Apple Store and trying to get a same-day demo.
Apple Vision Pro has gotten rave reviews for its mind-blowing peek into the future of computing, but almost all reviewers balked at the $3,500 price tag. For that price, many reviewers suggested waiting until later versions, which would likely see price reductions.
“Apple Vision Pro is the most amazing technology I’ve experienced in my life,” we said Cult of Mac’s review:
Like all Apple products, it is subject to Apple’s Standard Return Policy, which allows you to start a return within 14 days from the date it was received from Apple. You then have another seven days to mail it back or take it in to an Apple Store.
The headset must be in good original condition with all the parts, accessories and packaging intact. If the headset is purchased through a third-party retailer, it must be returned to that retailer (and is subject to that retailer’s returns policy).
Returning Zeiss Optical Inserts: Even though they are custom made, Zeiss lens inserts can also be retuned within 14 days. Although the Zeiss Optical Inserts are sold separately by Zeiss, Apple is accepting returns on behalf of Zeiss within the 14-day return window.
Apple hasn’t released any official sales numbers, but analysts estimate the company initially sold up to 200,000 headsets.
But in the first couple of weeks, large numbers of people appear to have returned their Vision Pros to Apple; likely because of Apple’s generous no-questions asked 14 day returns policy.
An unofficial Cult of Mac poll also showed that a lot of early adopters were returning their headsets.
AppleCare+, Apple’s optional insurance program for its products, can be added for $499.
The standard warranty is one year for hardware repair coverage (and up to 90 days of technical support).
AppleCare+ extends hardware coverage for an additional two years. It covers unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection. But each incident is subject to a service fee, which ranges from $29 for damaged accessories to $299 to damage to the headset, including the front glass.
Seeing as Apple charges $799 for glass repair without AppleCare+, getting the extra coverage is worth considering.
AppleCare+ coverage also includes 24/7 priority access to Apple tech experts via phone, mail-in repair with a prepaid shipping box, and Express Replacement Service (Apple ships a replacement Vision Pro while the original is in the shop).
The battery is covered if it retains less than 80% of its original capacity.
AppleCare+ can be added at the time of purchase, or within 60 days.
To buy coverage later, go to Settings > General > About and choose Add AppleCare+ Coverage. AppleCare+ can also be purchased online or at an Apple Store.
Here’s what comes in the (surprisingly big) box. Here’s our unboxing; and our unboxing video on YouTube.
In a pinch yes, you can wear your glasses inside the headset. However, the headset isn’t designed to be used with glasses. If you wear your glasses, the fit is likely to be uncomfortable, and possibly dangerous if you trip or bump your head. However, if you want to try it out with glasses, it does work.
If you wear glasses to correct your vision, you may need Zeiss Optical Inserts, which are sold as an optional accessory starting at $99. The Zeiss lens inserts are necessary for most people who need glasses for vision correction. Even if you’re nearsighted, and the screens are just an inch from your eyes, you will need lenses for it to look clear as it simulates a focal distance of four feet (1.3 meters). Without inserts, images inside the headset will not appear sharp and in-focus. The imge inserts attach to the inside lenses with magnets.
If you wear soft contact lenses to correct your distance vision, you likely won’t need lens inserts: the headset works with most soft contact lenses.
To determine if you need lens inserts, during the online buying process, Apple’s website asks buyers a couple of questions about their vision.
If you need lens inserts, you must upload a current optical prescription to Zeiss, which makes custom inserts to match your prescription.
Yes, the headset can be shared with someone else via Guest Mode. You need to enable it from Control Center. Then, you have five minutes to remove the lens inserts (if you have them) and hand it to someone else to put it on.
I recommend you use screen mirroring to an iPhone or iPad, so that you can see what your guest is doing and help them if they get lost.
Guest Mode starts with a hand and eye setup process. Guest Mode is disabled as soon as the headset is taken off. Unfortunately, there’s no memory, so the hand and eye setup will need to be done again if they want to try it a second or third time.
Apple is offering free loans of the device as part of its Apple Vision Pro developer kit. Apple is loaning headsets to qualified developers who apply. It’s open to developers registered with Apple’s Developer Program or Developer Enterprise Program. Applicants must provide details of their team and current apps. Loaned headsets must be returned to Apple on request.
Apple Vision Pro is a great way to make FaceTime calls using the Persona created when setting up the headset. The Persona is a digital recreation of the person’s face that’s animated to show facial expressions and reactions. They range from remarkable to creepy.
Making a FaceTime call is as easy as tapping the FaceTime button in the Messages app. From the Home View, you can also tap the People tab and tap on a contact to start a call. Here’s how to place a FaceTime call.
WWDC25 is a mere days away. While the hottest news is that iOS, macOS, watchOS and other platforms will get a visual redesign borrowed from visionOS, the question left unasked is … what’s coming to visionOS?
Rumors say there will be new advanced eye tracking features and support for VR hand controllers. But with a full twelve months of development, Apple probably has much more in store for its premium spatial computer.
Here’s what Apple may announce on Monday for the Vision Pro.
The new documentary Bono: Stories of Surrender premieres Friday, May 30, on Apple TV+. And it simultaneously debuts as the first feature-length Immersive Video on the Vision Pro headset. In that format, it offers an 8K Spatial Audio experience that places viewers directly onstage with the U2 frontman in a 180-degree video environment. You can watch the trailer below.
The film offers viewers a bold and lyrical visual exploration of Bono’s acclaimed one-man show, providing unprecedented access to his personal journey as a musician, activist and family man, Apple TV+ said. The Vision Pro version’s title will be Bono: Stories of Surrender (Immersive).
Update 2: Bono: Stories of Surrender begins streaming Friday on Apple TV+. Whereas one review calls it “a heartfelt portrait of the U2 star,” another refers to its “rock star pomposity” and a third splits the difference: “A punch-to-the-guts stage show once you get past the Bono-ness of it all.”
Update 1: Apple TV+ posted a trailer for the Bono documentary film on YouTube Wednesday, available to watch below. For U2 and Bono fans, it’s sure to impart all the feels, as Bono jokes with the audience and tells stories about his upbringing and time with the band.
Apple makes the bestselling phone, smartwatch and wireless headphones, and is fantastically profitable as a result. But if it can’t develop the Next Big Thing, it could easily be out of business in 10 years. But there’s no cause for concern — Apple is already working on the product that’ll replace the iPhone: smart glasses.
Even better, Apple is taking two approaches for developing smart glasses, which should go a long way toward ensuring that it makes the definitive version of the must-have computer of the 2030s.
The next major update to visionOS could include eye scrolling, for navigating long lists and webpages entirely hands-free. The Vision Pro already uses eye- and hand-tracking for navigating its interface; if true, this would take it to the next level.
Scrolling is one of the most fundamental interactions with a smartphone. But it hasn’t translated as well to the Vision Pro, where you need to pinch two fingers together and move your hand.
If visionOS 3 lets you scroll simply by looking at the bottom of a window, that could be a powerful new feature of the headset.
In a groundbreaking development, a brain-computer interface (BCI) company successfully demonstrated the first-ever use of Apple’s Vision Pro AR/VR headset controlled directly by thought, according to Synchron. The innovation opens up exciting possibilities, perhaps even beyond helping individuals with severe mobility limitations engage with cutting-edge technology. Innovations like thought control of Vision Pro could lead to big things for both hands-free and voice-free use of devices.
Update: Synchron said Tuesday it would be the first brain-computer interface (BCI) company to achieve native integration with a new BCI Human Interface Device (BCI HID) profile Apple just rolled out among various accessibility upgrades.
Apple Arcade plans to expand its growing library with five new games on June 5. That offers subscribers fresh gaming experiences across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and Vision Pro. And Vision Pro headset users will get to play a spatial-computing version of the comedy racing game What the Car?
The new titles include both original releases and popular games making their debut on the subscription service. Plenty of existing games will get updates, too.
In a shake-up aimed at revitalizing Apple’s aging Siri voice assistant, the iPhone giant brought in Mike Rockwell to lead a comprehensive overhaul now in progress, according to a new report. First, the former head of Vision Pro software continues revitalizing the Siri leadership team in the Vision Pro team’s image.
A cutting-edge pair of AI sports glasses feature innovative audio technology from xMEMS Labs, the company said Tuesday. The new BleeqUp Ranger glasses, developed by Chinese startup BleeqUp, represents the first commercial use of a xMEMS solid state microtweeter in AI eyewear — but likely not the only one.
“xMEMS is proud to help power the next generation of AI wearables,” said Steven Bentley, VP of worldwide sales at xMEMS Labs. “The integration of Cowell into BleeqUp’s glasses not only showcases the high-fidelity performance of our MEMS speakers. We’re excited to help more companies accelerate their path to market with compact, high-performance audio solutions for AI glasses.”
Perhaps that, or the upcoming uses of xMEMS Labs’ Sycamore microspeaker, could signal a new direction for Apple if it revives its smart glasses project.
Apple may soon release a lighter, thinner version of its Vision Pro headset that may go by the name of “Vision Air,” according to multiple leaks Wednesday and Thursday from a semi-reliable source. The new device would represent a significant redesign focused on weight reduction while potentially offering a more affordable alternative to the $3,500 Vision Pro. And it might come in a bluish-black color rather than Vision Pro’s silver.
The Vision Pro 2 might pack more upgrades than previously rumored. Instead of a minor spec bump, Apple could make the headset lighter and cheaper.
This would address two of the biggest complaints with Apple’s first mixed-reality headset.
Vision Pro Guest mode is how you can share your Vision Pro with someone else. Because if you own one of Apple’s new AR/VR headsets, everyone you know is inevitably going to want to try it on. That’s where Vision Pro Guest Mode comes in.
With the release of visionOS 2.4 and iOS 18.4, setting up Guest Mode is much easier than before. The old way still works — but to make sharing your headset more seamless, you should follow the instructions below. There’s a little bit of setup, but then it should be smooth sailing.
This is how to set up a guest user on Vision Pro. Keep reading or watch our video.
Apple rolled out its visionOS 2.4 update as a bit of a surprise Monday. It marks a significant spatial computing platform update, introducing Apple Intelligence features and new content discovery tools for Vision Pro users.
Apple’s new immersive concert video Metallica will give Vision Pro owners a unique experience of one of the band’s pulse-pounding shows. Filmed during the band’s M72 World Tour, it captures three Metallica songs in ultra-high-resolution, 180-degree video and Spatial Audio.
In a press release Tuesday, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich described the immersive video as a revolutionary twist on the standard concert film.
“Game-changing is putting it lightly,” Ulrich said. “Seeing our concert like that, along with the energy of the Mexico City fans — it’s very immersive, and it’s super-fun. We’ve always been interested in pushing the boundaries, and Metallica on Apple Vision Pro is exactly that.”
A major visionOS update in April will add Apple Intelligence to the Vision Pro. It will reportedly also introduce an updated guest mode and a new spatial content app.
Apple will roll out these features with visionOS 2.4 in April. The beta will drop as early as the week beginning February 16th.
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple pulls the plug on a secret AR glasses project. What does this mean for Vision Pro?
Also on The CultCast:
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
In a significant shift in its augmented reality strategy, Apple suddenly discontinued development of its lightweight AR glasses project this week, according to a new report Friday. This marks another adjustment in the company’s pursuit of mainstream wearable technology. The project, known internally as N107, aimed to create normal-looking glasses with built-in displays that would connect to Mac computers.
Health care leaders from 10 countries gathered in San Diego Thursday to explore Apple’s Vision Pro for surgery and other medical uses, and especially how it can further transform medical procedures and patient care, according to a new report.
The 300-person summit, hosted by Sharp HealthCare, marks another milestone in the device’s adoption by medical institutions since its 2024 launch, almost exactly a year ago. While broader public discussion of the headset tends to pine for a cheaper version, health care pros seem over the moon about how cheap $3,500 per unit is compared to their usual gear.
It’s time for Apple to get into smart glasses. This is an emerging product category that combines AI, cameras and audio… three components that the iPhone-maker is either already expert at or is working hard to improve.
Apple Glasses could be critical for the company long term because it would be an important step toward someday making the Vision Pro AR headset into a viable product.
Will 2025 be a big year for Apple’s exciting new Vision Pro platform? With a fast new chip, a major software upgrade and more jaw-dropping content, there could be a lot in store for the AR/VR headset next year.
The fledgling device is likely to get worthy new hardware upgrades — and maybe even a price drop. visionOS 3, the next major software update, will have had a full 12 months in the oven. That means it could be a substantial release. And as production of 3D immersive content continues to get easier, there may finally be a lot more spatial video to watch on the headset. In fact, that could turn out to be the device’s killer app.
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: According to the latest Apple rumors, the 5G OLED MacBooks we’ve been anticipating forever are finally on the way … in 2026.
Also on The CultCast:
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
In a strategic move that could reshape the mixed-reality landscape, Google and Samsung announced a partnership Thursday to develop a new mixed-reality headset running on the Android XR operating system, according to a new report. Clearly, the Google and Samsung Android XR headset directly challenges Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s headsets in the premium market.
The collaboration aims to create a more accessible and diverse ecosystem for extended reality (XR) devices, potentially offering buyers, including Apple users, alternative options in the growing mixed-reality space. More competition could impact both features and pricing, of course.
The new Solos AirGo Vision smart glasses released Tuesday pair with ChatGPT artificial intelligence as a direct competitor to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. Both cost a relatively affordable $300 or under. And the new entrant introduce several innovative features, including a modular design that addresses privacy concerns common with camera-equipped wearables.
“We promised to deliver on allowing consumers to have control of their experience with AI and smart technology, particularly with privacy options in mind,” said Solos co-founder Kenneth Fan. “That’s why we developed frames that can easily be changed to decide when and where a camera may be appropriate without sacrificing any of the fun features.”
Popular Science magazine named Apple’s Vision Pro headset one of its innovations of the year among new 2024 gadgets on Monday. Despite its considerable price tag and initial market challenges, the device’s revolutionary approach to augmented reality sets it apart from competitors.
“The device has its own hurdles to clear, but after just a few minutes of using it, it was clear that it’s something different, important, and honestly pretty amazing,” the magazine wrote.
Support for Sony PlayStation VR2 hand controllers is reportedly coming to Apple’s Vision Pro headset. The goal is supposedly to make playing virtual reality games easier on the AR headset.
Apple and Sony allegedly worked together for months to make this happen.
Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed details about the company’s approach to artificial intelligence and defended its Vision Pro headset in an extensive interview Wednesday. In a now-familiar refrain, he discussed the company’s strategic entry into generative AI while addressing criticisms about Apple’s seemingly delayed response to the AI boom.
“We never talked about charging for it,” Cook said of Apple Intelligence. “We view it sort of like multitouch, which enabled the smartphone revolution and the modern tablet.”