Apple Vision Pro first look: A glimpse at the spatial computing future

Apple isn’t letting us try on its Vision Pro mixed reality headset just yet, but I was able to briefly glimpse the hardware after fighting through the crowds at WWDC. And, well, it looks like yet another headset — almost like a souped up version of the Meta Quest Pro. But even with just a short glance, it’s clear that the Vision Pro is pure Apple: It’s like seeing the iPod compared to the clunky MP3 players of its era, or the iPhone next to a BlackBerry. 

The Vision Pro is Apple’s bold entry into the world of spatial computing, and it seems like the company has learned a lot from the VR and AR headsets before it. The front of the device features an OLED screen that can display your eyes, making you more connected to the people in the real world. Its springy side bands and ribbed rear headband look like suitably high-end. And, simply put, it has the wow factor you’d expect from a prestige Apple product. 

Still, there’s some reason for concern. The required battery pack is a bit un-Apple, since you’ll have to stuff it into your pocket or find somewhere to store it. And we’ve yet to see someone wearing this headset in the real world. Apple’s event staff stressed that we couldn’t touch the Vision Pro or lean too close. We won’t see if Apple’s spatial computing vision lives up to its slick promotional videos until we can actually wear this thing.      

Follow all of the news from Apple’s WWDC 2023 right here.