Apple Vision Pro Release Date. Apple has been working on an augmented reality and virtual reality headset, tentatively named Apple Vision, for several years now. While Apple has yet to officially confirm the product, there have been numerous reports about Apple’s plans in the AR/VR space. Based on leaks, rumors, and analysis from industry experts, here is what we know so far about the potential release date and launch timeline for Apple Vision Pro.
Overview of Apple’s Upcoming AR/VR Headset
Apple Vision is expected to be Apple’s first major new product category since the Apple Watch launched in 2015. It will be a high-end, niche product aimed at developers, creative professionals, and tech enthusiasts.
The headset will feature advanced AR and VR capabilities powered by onboard processors and displays. It will run a new operating system called realityOS (rOS) and allow users to experience immersive apps, games, media content, and more.
The two main features expected for Apple Vision are:
- Augmented reality – overlaying digital information and objects onto the real world via transparent lenses. This allows for enhanced experiences without losing sight of your surroundings.
- Virtual reality – fully immersive digital worlds blocked out when wearing the headset. This allows for rich, interactive 3D experiences.
Apple has acquired several AR/VR companies over the past few years to build out the technology for Apple Vision, including VRvana, SensoMotoric Instruments, and Spaces.
Release Date Rumors and Timeline
Apple has not officially announced a release date for Apple Vision. However, various reports have indicated a potential launch timeline. Here are the release date rumors so far:
- Apple originally planned to unveil Apple Vision in 2021 – However, challenges with hardware and software reportedly led to delays.
- Prototype unveiled to Apple board in 2021 – Apple reportedly showcased an advanced prototype to the company’s board of directors in 2021. This indicates progress was made on hardware.
- Public release rumored for 2023 – The most widespread rumor is that Apple will unveil and release Apple Vision in 2023. This aligns with the 2+ year timeline of reported delays.
- WWDC 2023 announcement possible – Apple may officially announce Apple Vision at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2023. This event aligns with Apple’s pattern of unveiling major new products alongside developer tools.
- Fall 2023 launch date – Many analysts believe Apple Vision will be commercially available in Fall 2023, likely September or October. This would follow an announcement at WWDC 2023.
- Aligned with reported production timeline – Supply chain reports indicate key production milestones for Apple’s headset components will be met by early 2023, enabling a fall release.
Based on these rumors and leaks from reliable sources, the most likely Apple Vision Pro release date appears to be Fall 2023. However, COVID-related uncertainties and Apple’s tendency for secrecy means the timeline could certainly shift.
Reasons for the Delay of Apple’s Smartglasses
Apple Vision was originally rumored to be launching in 2021 or 2022. However, technical challenges caused Apple to reportedly delay the launch to 2023. Here are some of the key reasons cited for the delays:
- AR/VR technology challenges – Developing cutting-edge augmented and virtual reality experiences presented hardware and software challenges that took time to refine.
- Heat dissipation and battery life issues – Managing heat dissipation in a wearable form factor while maintaining sufficient battery life has been difficult to balance. This required extensive engineering work.
- Complexity of realityOS – realityOS, Apple’s rumored AR/VR operating system, is said to be just as complex as iOS. Developing the software platform and ecosystem of apps has taken considerable time.
- Health and safety testing – Apple is conducting extensive testing around eye safety, image quality, ergonomics, and extended use. Ensuring health standards for such intimate technology cannot be rushed.
- Supply chain problems – Global shortages of components and disruption from COVID have made launch timelines uncertain for suppliers. This may have contributed to delays.
- Perceived lack of competition – With no major consumer AR/VR products yet available, Apple may have felt less urgency to rush their headset to market.
Delays are common for ambitious new products from Apple. The additional time will allow for refinement and help ensure Apple Vision meets the company’s high standards at launch.
Expected Features and Specs Based on Rumors
Since Apple has not officially unveiled Apple Vision, the exact features and specifications remain unconfirmed. However, various leaks have provided hints at what buyers can likely expect:
- Sleek curved visor design – Will reportedly look like ski goggles and weigh around 300-400 grams. Lighter and slimmer than existing VR headsets.
- Dual ultra-high-res OLED displays – One for each eye with ability to seamlessly transition between AR and VR modes via an iris dimming system.
- Onboard processing power – Apple-designed processing chips providing PC-level power without needing to connect to an iPhone or Mac.
- Advanced hand tracking – Cameras mounted in the headset will allow for tracking hand movements without need for controllers.
- Spatial audio – Apple’s spatial audio technology will provide rich, immersive sound that adapts as users turn their heads.
- App Store and realityOS – A dedicated App Store similar to iOS will provide games/apps. realityOS will enable shared experiences between multiple users.
- Inputs via eye tracking and Siri – Eye tracking for intuitive controls. Siri integration will allow for voice commands. Physical controls will be minimal.
- Multi-purpose use cases – Designed for gaming, media, communication, productivity, health/fitness, shopping, education, design, and more.
- Lidar scanning – Lidar sensors will map surroundings in 3D space for highly accurate placement of virtual objects in augmented reality modes.
- Wireless and self-contained – No wired connection to a phone or PC needed. All processing contained within headset.
These leaked details paint the picture of a versatile, futuristic AR/VR experience powered by cutting-edge Apple hardware and software. But only an official announcement will reveal the final specs.
Apple Vision Name and Branding Speculation
Apple’s AR/VR headset is widely referred to by the nickname “Apple Glasses” or “Apple Glass” in rumors. However, Apple likely won’t use the Apple Glass branding for the final marketed product.
Based on Apple’s naming conventions for premium products, potential names for the Apple headset include:
- Apple Vision – This name has appeared in some leaked code and presentations. It positions the product as a new way of “seeing” or visualizing information.
- Apple Sight/iSight – Sight refers to vision and aligns with Apple’s “i” branding scheme. However, iSight is already an Apple webcam technology.
- Apple View – Simple and descriptive name indicating the unique views the headset will provide.
- Apple Lens – Fits with the AR viewing experience and Apple’s history of naming products after parts (iMac, iPod).
- Apple Optics – More technical name that references the display optics enabling AR/VR.
- Apple Vue – Vue means view or scene in French. Pronounced “voo”, it rhymes with other Apple Watches.
There are also rumors Apple may brand it “Apple Vision Pro” or “Apple Vision Ultimate” to market it as a high-end professional product rather than mainstream. But the final name won’t be known until Apple’s official unveiling.
Price Rumors and Financing Options
Being a first-generation product using bleeding-edge technology, Apple Vision is expected to launch with a premium price point. Rumors suggest it may be priced as high as:
- $2,000 – $3,000 – This very high price would position it as an extremely advanced niche product. It seems high given most consumers reluctance to spend over $1,000 on phones or watches.
- $1,000 – $1,500 – A more reasonable price range when comparing to other premium flagship tech products like iPhones. But still very expensive for most buyers.
- $500 – $800 – This would be a more mainstream friendly price point. But likely unrealistic given the complexity of components needed to power high-end AR/VR experiences.
For consumers unable or unwilling to pay $1,000 or more upfront, Apple may offer financing options similar to iPhones and Macs:
- Apple Card Financing – Apple Card users may be able to finance an Apple Vision headset over 12-24 months of monthly installments.
- Carrier Installment Plans – Cellular carriers and networks may allow customers to pay a portion upfront and the rest over 6, 12, or 24 months.
- Apple Upgrade Program – Apple could launch an upgrade program where users pay a monthly fee to always have access to the latest Apple Vision model.
