The Apple Vision Pro is bringing augmented reality to the mainstream

IN THE 21ST CENTURY, technology is constantly evolving. And in few places is it evolving faster than Apple’s headquarters in Silicon Valley, California. Apple has consistently raised the bar in consumer tech, setting new standards and revolutionising the way we use technology. With the release of the Vision Pro, Apple is dipping its toes in augmented reality (AR) by pioneering the next wave of wearable tech.

The Vision Pro, which is really just a headset that covers your eyes, promises to redefine how we interact with the digital world. With the ever-growing conveniences of the online realm, Apple is asking whether we ever truly need to be offline. The Vision Pro has attracted more than its fair share of admirers and detractors recently, and if you’re reading this, you likely fall on some side of that equation. But if you’re on the fence, allow us to help you determine exactly where you stand. Here’s everything you need to know about the Apple Vision Pro.

What does the Apple Vision Pro do?

The Apple Vision Pro is an augmented reality headset that merges the physical and digital worlds, seamlessly blending elements of the virtual space with your real-world environment. In essence, it’s like having an iPhone or MacBook on your face, as you can control the Vision Pro using only your eyes, hands, and voice. It’s what Apple calls “spatial computing”.

At its core, the Vision Pro is nothing more than a headset reminiscent of traditional eyewear, albeit with a modern, sleek and lightweight design. But beneath its shiny exterior, the Vision Pro is packed to the rafters with high-tech equipment. Apple doesn’t downplay the Vision Pro’s capabilities. “Apple Vision Pro is the result of decades of experience designing high‑performance, mobile, and wearable devices—culminating in the most ambitious product Apple has ever created,” its online store reads. “Apple Vision Pro integrates incredibly advanced technology into an elegant, compact form, resulting in an amazing experience every time you put it on.”

So, what can you actually do with the Vision Pro? The possibilities border on endless. Among many other features, Vision Pro users can enjoy immersive gaming, television and movie experiences, interactive storytelling, and virtual shopping. In the workplace, the device holds promise for remote collaboration, training simulations, and hands-free productivity tools.

How much does the Apple Vision Pro cost?

The Apple Vision Pro won’t be for everyone, not least of all because of its hefty price tag. At launch, the Apple Vision Pro was retailing for $3,499 USD (about $5,415 AUD, at time of writing). Not only is that a significantly pricier investment than annually purchasing an iPhone, it’s also much more expensive than AR products from Apple competitors like Meta. The Apple Vision Pro is likely to be outside the price range of many consumers, but there’s a reason it’s so expensive.

Pound for pound, the Apple Vision Pro is one of the most advanced pieces of technology ever created. It has processing power similar to a computer, with a key distinction being that you can’t wear a computer on your face. So of course it’s going to be expensive! Word on the street is that each unit of the headset costs $1,590 USD to make, which is more than the retail price of an iPhone 15 Plus. Add to that extensive marketing expenses and additional costs, and the Apple Vision Pro’s price tag begins to make a little more sense.

When is the Apple Vision Pro releasing in Australia?

The Apple Vision Pro hasn’t officially released in Australia, but you can still get your hands on it, as some retailers are selling imported versions. The first wave of Apple Vision Pros were only available in North America, but subsequent waves are expected to be released in wider markets.

Is the Apple Vision Pro safe?

That’s the obvious question, right? Sure, it would be great if we could spend all of our time in the digital world, but some activities—driving, exercising and walking on the street to name a few—require slightly more of our attention, lest they become dangerous.

Apple has stated that the Vision Pro works best when stationary, but that hasn’t stopped users from claiming they use the technology while driving—no, we’re not kidding. Perhaps it would work in a self-driving Tesla—even then, we’re tentative—but for the most part, the Vision Pro shouldn’t be used while moving, let alone while operating heavy machinery. So long as you follow the rules, the Vision Pro is perfectly safe.

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