Apple Vision Pro Glasses: Control with Your Eyes & Augmented Reality Features

The presentation of the glasses was provided by Apple CEO Tim Cook during the WorldWide Developer Conference (WWDC). He began the announcement with the legendary phrase “One More Thing,” used by his predecessor Steve Jobs when the iPhone was introduced.

With the glasses, users should see apps appear before their eyes. According to Apple, this can be done in augmented reality, with the real world in the background, or in the fully digital VR world. It’s the first time since the launch of the Apple Watch that the company has tried to break into a new category.

Control with eyes

Unlike smartphones, users can control the glasses with their eyes. The device can be controlled by means of ‘eye tracking’, i.e. following the eyes. In addition, there are options for finger tapping and swiping.

The glasses are also intended to work with other Apple products, such as a laptop or telephone. According to Richard Howarth, vice president of industrial design, the Vision Pro is the “most ambitious product” Apple has ever made.

What is also striking about the Apple glasses is that the eyes of the wearer can be seen on the outside. This way other people can see if you can see them, or if you are busy with an app or movie. In that case, a colorful haze appears on the screen.

Three times more expensive

The cheapest version of the Vision Pro will retail for $3,499 early next year. That is three times more expensive than the most expensive AR / VR variants of competitor Meta. Also important: the glasses can only be used with an external battery with a lifespan of two hours, or connected to the mains.

Initially, the glasses will be available in the United States. Only later can the glasses be bought in other countries.

Other announcements

The announcements didn’t stop with the goggles. Apple also announced new versions of its software for the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch, among others. For example, the iPhone gets updated apps for calling and sending messages.

In addition, Apple introduced a new 15-inch MacBook Air and a version of the Apple Studio desktop computer with faster chips. Those new, self-designed chips also form the basis of the new Mac Pro desktop computer.