Apple on Vision Pro: Continued "full focus" on augmented reality
Apple's first headset still costs at least 4000 euros. Apparently, the company is only working on the software.
User with Vision Pro.
(Image: Apple)
What's next for the Vision Pro? Apple's first headset, which was launched on the market last year, is currently only being updated on the software side. With visionOS 26, which is due to be released in the fall, widgets, improved avatars, and support for Sony's VR controller will be added. Apple CEO Tim Cook has now also commented on the next steps. On the sidelines of the announcement of the quarterly figures last week, he also answered questions about the augmented and virtual reality business.
Cook only talks about software
He said he was “ecstatic” about what the visionOS 26 team had delivered. “It contains many things, including spatial widgets with which users can design their digital space.” There is also “a huge improvement” in the persona function. The avatars look “much more lifelike.”
Videos by heise
Cook also emphasized the improved APIs for corporate customers, who should still be increasingly interested in Vision Pro. “We are still very focused on this,” said Cook. Naturally, the Apple boss did not want to comment on a possible roadmap. However, it is an area “that we really believe in.”
Hardware story: What's next for the Vision Pro?
Apple is not commenting on possible new hardware. Observers are currently assuming at least two new Vision models. A second Pro model is expected to come with an M4 chip and possibly a more comfortable headband – one of the main criticisms of the current device. There could also be a cheaper entry-level model and/or a variant specifically designed for connection to a Mac, for example, for industrial applications.
If you want to get started with the Vision Pro today, you still have to dig deep into your pockets: the device costs at least 3999 euros. There is no free trade for the headset, only Apple sells the hardware directly. You can only find the odd “bargain” on eBay, where used models are listed for 2500 euros. Apple itself is currently mainly selling models that are still in stock. It is said that production of the current generation has already ended. Apple is still working internally on “real” augmented reality glasses with a much more comfortable form factor.
Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt
Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen.
Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (heise Preisvergleich) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
(bsc)
