Apple unveils standout Vision Pro features in its latest announcement
In a move to revolutionise virtual reality (VR) technology, Apple has announced plans to release an upgraded version of its Vision Pro headset by the end of 2025. The near-term upgrade will focus on performance and wearability enhancements, with the integration of a faster M4 chip and improved AI capabilities.
One of the most anticipated features of the upgraded Vision Pro is Apple Intelligence, which is designed to drive interest in the headset. With Apple Intelligence, users can create Genmojis by speaking a description, enjoy Writing Tools for proofreading, rewriting, and summarising text, and utilise Image Playground for an immersive visual experience.
Moreover, the Vision Pro will offer innovative features like Memory Movie, which creates videos with storylines based on descriptions typed in and uses photos and clips from the user. Spatial Gallery, a new app coming with the VisionOS 2.4 update, will offer spatial photos, videos, and panoramas curated by Apple.
The Vision Pro headset, initially released over a year ago, has already gained recognition as one of the best VR devices available. However, its high price tag of $3,500 has been a point of contention for some users. To address this, Apple has introduced the Guest User feature, allowing user setup and access control for 30 days, and the ability for users to save guest's eye and hand setup.
The Vision Pro is also set to receive new features with the VisionOS 2.4 update, including Smart Reply for easily responding to texts and emails, and a dedicated app for iPhone. Users can also queue up apps and games for download to their headset.
While the integration of AI features into Siri, initially planned for April, has been reportedly pushed back due to engineering challenges and bugs, Apple is actively working on an upgraded Vision Pro model expected by the end of 2025. This update will provide deeper AI integration to support complex image and app processing in real-time virtual environments.
According to Technavio, the market for VR is projected to grow by $133 billion in the next four years. While gaming remains the primary driver for VR, Apple's Vision Pro headset is intended for professional users.
Looking further into the future, Apple is mass-producing a refreshed first-generation Vision Pro with an M5 chip in the third quarter of 2025, but it is not considered a true second-generation model since it offers only the chipset upgrade without other significant changes. The true second-generation Vision Pro, with design changes including reduced weight and a more powerful processor, is projected for release around late 2028.
In conclusion, the upgraded Vision Pro expected by the end of 2025 will focus on performance and wearability enhancements, with a full redesign and major new features anticipated in the late 2020s. The Vision Pro continues to push the boundaries of VR technology, offering innovative features and promising a bright future for this exciting field.
- The anticipation for the upgraded Vision Pro includes the use of the headset for creating personalized Genmojis using Apple Intelligence.
- VisionOS 2.4, the update for the Vision Pro, will feature an app called Spatial Gallery, offering immersive spatial photos, videos, and panoramas.
- To make the Vision Pro more accessible, Apple has introduced the Guest User feature, allowing user setup and access control for 30 days, and the ability for users to save guest's eye and hand setup.
