Apple ’s virtual reality (VR) headset, which is expected to be a standalone, high-end device costing around $3,000, launching in January 2023, will boost demand for associated VR and augmented reality (AR) games, apps and services. These categories are increasingly important to Apple’s bottom line, says GlobalData.

The leading data and analytics company notes that given Apple ’s massive loyal customer base and a productive legacy of entering new markets, the company’s VR headset will trigger faster adoption of VR and AR tech, which is key for the growth and adoption of the metaverse.

Anisha Bhatia, Senior Analyst at GlobalData, comments:

“Apple ’s services revenue accounted for more than 20% of its overall revenues, which reached $19.8 billion in Q2 2022, up significantly from $16.9 billion a year earlier. Apple will use its forthcoming VR headset device to build on that revenue growth. According to GlobalData forecasts, consumer VR headsets will generate global revenues of $50 billion by 2030.”

Although the headset will be a standalone device (not tethered to a computer or gaming console), we can expect to see some cross-device operability as Apple plays into its strength. Industry rumors indicate that consumers will likely be able to extend a MacBook’s display into the headset, allowing content creators to seamlessly move from one device to the next, a key Apple attribute that other multi-device OEMs in the non-iOS space have struggled to match.

Bhatia continues:

 “Apple is working on VR versions of several of its apps, such as FaceTime. The company has a history of first-rate user interfaces, be it smartphones or wearables or tablets; we can expect its VR clients to be just as good. And Apple rarely launches a product that is not on par with its standards. The company will also make sure it has a swathe of apps and services that can be used with the headset at the time of launch.”

Meta Platforms owns 90% of the VR headset market, offers exclusive content and trumps Apple ’s headset on price. However, Meta heavily subsidizes its VR hardware, which is not a sustainable business strategy as the competition in this space is set to grow in 2023, with VR headsets coming from Pico and Sony.

Bhatia adds:

“Although price may initially prove to be a hindrance for Apple, its product quality, target market of developers, gamers and content creators, as well as a previous history of market-leading expensive products such as tablets, leads us to believe that Apple’s first foray into the VR headset segment will be a success. We expect the first iteration of Apple’s VR headset to be Wi-Fi only, and Apple, similar to Meta, is already working on a second iteration of its headset which will likely offer 5G support.”

Here are some highlights about the Apple VR headset::

Key Features of the Apple Vision Pro

1. Immersive Displays: Vision Pro uses dual high-resolution micro-OLED displays, with 23 million pixels combined, providing an ultra-crisp and immersive visual experience that can simulate a screen as large as 100 feet.
2. Eye and Hand Tracking: Vision Pro offers intuitive eye and hand tracking, enabling users to navigate and interact with apps simply by looking at elements, tapping fingers together, or using voice commands.
3. Apple’s M2 Chip and R1 Chip: The device runs on Apple’s M2 chip, delivering high performance, while the new R1 chip ensures that real-world images and videos appear instantly on the display for smooth augmented experiences.
4. Seamless Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Vision Pro integrates with Apple’s ecosystem, allowing users to interact with familiar Apple apps like FaceTime, Messages, and Photos in mixed reality.
5. Spatial Audio: Equipped with spatial audio, the Vision Pro creates an immersive audio experience, adapting sound positioning based on head movements for more realistic interactions.
6. Battery Life and Design: Vision Pro’s battery life is around two hours when using the external battery pack, and it can also be powered continuously while plugged in. The headset itself is built with lightweight materials and a modular design to fit comfortably.

Expected Applications

• Entertainment and Gaming: The Vision Pro supports immersive games and media, where users can interact with virtual environments or watch movies in a personal theater experience.
• Productivity: Virtual monitors for productivity apps and tools make it easier to multitask with multiple displays.
• Augmented Reality Experiences: With its “Digital Persona” technology, users can blend their digital presence into the real world, making it suited for virtual meetings or collaborative workspaces.

Price and Availability

The Vision Pro is set to retail for approximately $3,499 in the U.S., with availability expected to expand globally in 2024.

The Vision Pro showcases Apple’s advanced approach to mixed reality, bridging the gap between digital and physical worlds and setting the stage for immersive AR/VR experiences.