Apple has announced plans to extend the availability of its high-end mixed reality headset, Vision Pro, to new markets including China, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Canada, France, and the U.K. starting mid-July. The Vision Pro, priced from $3,499 with storage options between 256GB to 1TB, was previously exclusive to the U.S., where it saw rapid success, selling 200,000 units within the first 10 days of pre-order availability.
During Monday’s keynote, Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed excitement over the global expansion. “We are thrilled to introduce the magic of spatial computing to more customers around the world,” Cook said. “We can’t wait for more people to see the impossible become possible, whether working and collaborating with an infinite canvas for apps, reliving treasured memories in three dimensions, watching TV shows and movies in a one-of-a-kind personal cinema, or enjoying brand-new spatial experiences that defy imagination.”
In addition to expanding Vision Pro’s market reach, Apple also announced a significant update to its operating system, unveiling visionOS 2. The new OS introduces enhanced features for both users and developers, aimed at improving the overall mixed reality experience.
Key updates in visionOS 2 include:
Improved Resolution and Productivity Tools: Enhanced display resolution, particularly for the Mac Virtual Display app, now equates to the clarity of two 4K monitors side by side. The update also allows users to rearrange apps freely and connect a mouse, while also revealing the physical keyboard during app immersion.
Enhanced Navigation and Controls: New hand gestures facilitate easier access to frequently used apps and important information such as current time, device battery level, and volume controls.
Developer Tools and Enterprise Applications: New APIs and frameworks improve app creation for developers. The Vision Pro can now be applied in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace, with early adopters such as Scandit AG and TeamViewer utilizing the headset for barcode scanning and object tracking.
Travel Mode and Accessibility Features: A new travel mode allows users to transform their surroundings on the go. The headset also supports live captions for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Enhanced Spatial Photos and Multiview Support: The ability to turn 2D images into dynamic images and share them with other Vision Pro and iPhone 15 Pro users. The Apple TV app update adds multiview support, enabling the viewing of up to five simultaneous streams.
Mike Rockwell, Apple’s vice president for Vision products, emphasized the potential of visionOS 2 to further the capabilities of Vision Pro. “Apple Vision Pro delivers revolutionary experiences for users and developers, and we’re excited to advance spatial computing even further with visionOS 2 just months after its initial release,” Rockwell said.
The visionOS 2 update is set to launch in the fall, with current headsets already preinstalled with version 1.2 of the original visionOS. This update, alongside the expanded market availability, positions Apple to further solidify its presence in the burgeoning mixed reality space.
