Apple Vision Pro is the company's first entirely new product in a decade, and the internet is going wild over it. The new "spatial computer," as Apple is calling it, promises to provide an out-of-this-world augmented reality experience. Whether it's the display, the built-in Spatial surround system, or the dual-chip design that processes every single input, Apple Vision Pro is loaded with intricate technology.
However, even though Apple dedicated more than 45 minutes to the device at the WWDC keynote presentation, the company has yet to reveal many things. For instance, what does AppleCare/AppleCare+ cover for the product, and at what cost? How much storage does the device come with, or how many apps can users download? Will it work with other Bluetooth headphones/earphones? The answers to these questions will play a critical role in determining in the product's success in the market. Here are some of the most burning questions that need Apple's attention.
10 What Will AppleCare/AppleCare+ Look Like?
Apple Vision Pro will be one of the most premium personal electronic devices in the market, and at the end of the day, it's absurdly expensive. Someone buying a $3,499 gadget would definitely want to know how the company plans to protect the purchase. Generally, Apple provides a limited one-year warranty against manufacturing defects, also known as AppleCare, free of cost. This applies to all Apple products.
Then there's AppleCare+, a paid insurance plan that provides damage and theft protection (separate plans). However, its price varies for all devices. For instance, AppleCare+ for 128GB iPhone 14 costs $149 a year. In contrast, the protection plan costs $229 for the 2023 MacBook Air with an M2 chip. From what it looks like, an AppleCare+ for Apple Vision Pro could cost well over $500 a year, but that's for Apple to reveal.
9 How Much Does Apple Vision Pro Weigh?
Apple says that the new mixed-reality headset is meant for all-day use, but that depends on the device's weight, which remains undisclosed at the moment. Popular tech creator Marques Brownlee recently uploaded a video about Apple's latest MR headset, in which he said "this is pretty heavy," and wonders aloud about using the device for longer than the half hour that he did.
That heft makes perfect sense given its build, as the headset is made of metal and glass — materials that are heavier than high-quality plastic. To give some reference, Meta's top-of-the-line Quest Pro headset weighs 722 grams, and from what it looks like, Vision Pro could either be equally or perhaps even heavier.
8 Will It Work With Bluetooth Earbuds/Headphones?
Enthusiasts already know that Vision Pro connects to wireless accessories like a keyboard or mouse via Bluetooth, but is the same true for earbuds or headphones? Although Apple has designed an "advanced Spatial Audio system" for Vision Pro, it might not be able to replace high-fidelity headphones or earbuds. Other headsets, such as some Meta Quest models, support Bluetooth headphones.
7 What Controllers Will Apple Vision Pro Support?
With Vision Pro, Apple is rooting for a new era of mixed-reality experiences, and video games are part of it. Over the years, gaming consoles have held their flags by providing cutting-edge graphics and an immersive controlling experience via high-tech controllers. However, given that Apple's Vision Pro treats users' eye and hand movements as inputs, it is unclear what external controllers the headset will support.
It is important to mention here that Vision Pro's intro video shows a glimpse of PS5's Dual Sense controller, but Apple hasn't confirmed anything. The company might even consider designing its own controller for its headset down the line.
6 What Are R1 Specs?
As mentioned earlier, the Apple Vision Pro interprets users' eye and hand movements/gestures as inputs. However, to do that, the device has to first detect these movements, then process them as input, and relay the necessary changes on the screen without any visible lag, which is a complex process. It's not like there are only a few things to handle, as it has 12 cameras, six microphones, and five sensors. This is where the R1 chip comes in.
As mentioned in the press release, the R1 chip processes inputs from all the cameras and sensors within 12 milliseconds to "ensure that content feels like it is appearing right in front of the user's eyes." Although this sounds amazing, there are still no details on R1's specs. How many cores does the R1 chip have? What type of memory does it use? All such questions are left to answer. Vision Pro also features Apple's M2 chipset, which is quite familiar as users have already experienced it on MacBooks.
5 What Will The Storage/RAM Options Be?
Apple's Vision Pro is supposed to handle complex workflows such as video editing and even high-quality video games. Although that wouldn't be possible without copious amounts of RAM, the company hasn't disclosed any related details. Will users be able to install these games on the device? If yes, how many such apps or games can the headset accommodate?
These are some questions that Apple can only answer by revealing the Vision Pro's storage options. Given that the mixed-reality headset runs a three-dimensional operating system, there's a good chance that apps will consume more memory and storage than on regular devices with two-dimensional displays. For reference, Meta's Quest Pro, the company's most advanced VR headset, comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
4 Is Optic ID Necessary To Use The Headset?
While showcasing Vision Pro, Apple also introduced the world to Optic ID, its third biometric system after Touch ID and Face ID. It is a "new secure authentication system that analyzes a user's iris under various invisible LED light exposures" and then compares it with the enrolled data. Optic ID is a safe way to unlock Vision Pro, authorize device payments, or guard against theft. However, it is not unknown whether Optic ID is necessary to use the device or whether Apple will provide an option to disable it, like the option to 'Turn Passcode Off' on its other devices.
3 How Much Will The ZEISS Vision Correction Lenses Cost?
This is one of those things that makes users feel that Apple cares about them and is putting everything into designing the best possible mixed-reality experience, but at what cost? Apple has already announced that Vision Pro costs $3,499, however, the cost of vision correction lenses, which could vary depending on a user's condition, isn't out yet. Per Apple analyst and journalist Mark Gurman, the Zeiss prescription lenses for Vision Pro could cost at least $300-600 a pair, meaning that the effective cost of the headset could ultimately range between $3,799 to $4,099. That's something to keep in mind.
2 Where Will It Be Available Outside The U.S.?
For now, all enthusiasts know is that Apple Vision Pro will be available "early next year on apple.com and at Apple Store locations in the U.S." The headset will also be available in other countries "later next year," but the launch timeline and the regions where the device will arrive aren't clear yet. There's a slight chance that the device will get into messy laws and regulations in some places, which the company is probably figuring out right now.
1 Can The Headset Be Used To Impersonate People?
Apple's Vision Pro revamps the FaceTime experience by introducing Persona, a digital representation of users created by mapping the users' faces. It's perhaps the most interesting yet potentially concerning feature, with the ability to mimic users' facial expressions and movements during FaceTime calls. Questions over its safety go hand-in-hand with questions about Optic ID, and whether the device can be used without the protection enabled. Suppose someone unlocks their Vision Pro using Optic ID and then leaves it unattended, and someone else picks it up before it re-locks. Or, what if they don't have it locked at all?
Can someone else just pick up the headset and pretend to be its owner on a FaceTime call? Will the headset verify the wearer's Optic ID before initiating the Persona? All this could be avoided if the device locks itself when someone takes it off. However, until Apple confirms, this remains one of the most critical questions Apple needs to answer before releasing Vision Pro next year.
Source: Apple, Marques Brownlee/YouTube, Apple/YouTube, Mark Gurman/Twitter