Apple is set to release its newest product, the $3,500 Vision Pro, a mixed reality “spatial computer” headset, next year. It represents Apple’s vision of what a computer can be. Although the headphones were announced in June, a range of compatible accessories is already emerging. This raises questions about the implications for potential buyers of the Vision Pro.
At Apple’s recent iPhone launch event, two products were unveiled that feature connectors specifically designed for the Vision Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro will have rear cameras for capturing 3D videos that can be viewed on the Vision Pro. Additionally, the new AirPods Pro 2 version, which looks similar to last year’s model but with a USB-C connector, is the only Apple headset capable of outputting lossless audio and working with the Vision Pro.
While many anticipated that the next iPhone would enable spatial recording, it’s surprising that the Vision Pro requires new AirPods for high-quality audio. This could potentially leave existing AirPods owners behind.
If you’re considering purchasing the Vision Pro, it might be wise to wait before buying other Apple products, such as the AirPods Pro 2 and the new iPhone 15 Pro, until more information about their compatibility is released.
The latest version of AirPods Pro 2, although it looks the same as last year, gets real audio with Vision Pro.
What devices work best with Vision Pro? Still TBD
One question to consider is what other devices work well with Vision Pro. Currently, Vision Pro only connects to Macs and not iPhones or iPads. Apple has not made any changes to how Vision Pro functions in terms of magnifying the Mac’s display or the mouse and keyboard interface. While developers currently have access to Vision Pro software and hardware, it remains unclear whether additional accessories or specific Mac models will be required to make the connection. Will Apple continue to use standard Bluetooth or introduce new connectivity options?
Some devices already show promise. The iPhone 15 Pro, for example, has the same rear lidar sensor as the Vision Pro, enabling 3D spatial analysis and immersive AR experiences on the iPhone. However, Apple has not announced any plans for the Vision Pro to connect directly to iPhones, such as using an iPhone as a controller or extending apps from the phone to mixed reality, as Qualcomm’s phone-connected glasses do. It is possible that Apple will enhance compatibility with Vision Pro in the future, but the timeline for such changes is uncertain.
Qualcomm’s AR and VR strategy primarily revolves around phone connectivity, while Apple’s Vision Pro currently does not connect directly to phones or have a dedicated view feature. However, video calls are supported, indicating a step towards expanding connectivity options.
The latest version of AirPods Pro with USB-C, despite its similar appearance to the previous model, is another compatible option for connecting to the Vision Pro. However, it may disappoint those who invested in the Lightning model last year.
The newest Apple Watch gets a touch screen that sounds like the Vision Pro. Is it a sign of future compatibility for upcoming models?
Another group of unknown products: Apple Watch and iPad
The Apple Watch seems to be a natural companion for the Vision Pro, with its touch screen and visual capabilities aligning well with the spatial computing platform. However, Apple has not announced any plans for Watch-to-Vision Pro integration, so this remains speculative. Will Apple wait for the 10th anniversary of the “Watch X” to introduce this connection? It’s uncertain, which is why waiting for more information could be a good idea.
The same goes for the iPad, which has not received any significant updates in 2023. New Pro models expected early next year may bring many changes, including OLED displays. Apple has not demonstrated how iPads and Vision Pro will work together, even though iPads already support trackpad and keyboard input like Macs. Will Apple introduce similar functionality to the new Pro models next year?
Vision Pro works with Macs, but we haven’t tested it yet.
Maybe wait for the Mac?
The Mac is another device that Apple has confirmed will be compatible with the Vision Pro. However, without having tried a demo or received detailed information from Apple, it’s unclear how the Mac will interact with the Vision Pro. There is also uncertainty about which Mac models will support the M3 chip. It is possible that the next generation of Macs will feature additional hand-tracking features that work with the Vision Pro.
As 2023 comes to a close, my optimism about Apple’s future ecosystem is waning. As someone deeply interested in the future of AR and VR, I’m concerned about the compatibility of the devices I already own with the Vision Pro. While Apple promotes the Vision Pro as a standalone device that doesn’t require additional accessories, I believe that eventually the entire range of Apple products will need to connect to the headset. The timing of such integration is unknown. Until more details are announced, such as the availability of AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C and the iPhone 15 Pro’s compatibility, it’s prudent to wait and see.
