What happened: As expected, Apple unveiled its first-ever VR/AR headset on Monday, marking its first major hardware reveal in over eight years. Details: Described as a "spatial computer" that blends digital content with the real world, Apple's Vision Pro headset starts at $3,499 and will go on sale in U.S. retail stores early next year. Standout features: The ski-goggle-like device operates without controllers, utilizing the user's hands, eyes, and voice for control. It boasts five sensors, 12 cameras, dual 4K displays, and the option of an external battery pack or another outside power source. Powered by an M2 chip and a new R1 chip, the headset also has an EyeSight system that shows the wearer's eyes to the outside world or hides them when in full VR mode. Additionally, it scans the user's face to create a highly realistic avatar. iPhone and iPad apps can run in the headset's operating system, called visionOS, which will have its own dedicated App Store.
Credit: Apple Quotable: The Vision Pro is considered Apple CEO Tim Cook's signature addition to the company's product line. "It's the first Apple product you look through, and not at," Cook said. Why it matters: The unveiling comes shortly after Meta, Apple's main competitor in the VR market, introduced the Quest 3 VR headset, which has less advanced features but is priced at a more affordable $499. The Vision Pro will start at $3,499, more than three times the cost of the priciest headset in Meta's lineup. Analysts note that Apple may encounter challenges in attracting buyers, as many consumers are hesitant to spend over $700 on a basic VR headset
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