Apple's official entry into AR is the Vision Pro headset

Apple today has officially announced Vision Pro, its entry into the AR headset market. Users will “look through, not at” the content they want to engage with using Vision Pro, Apple CEO Tim Cook says.

The headset, which carries some familiar design elements of current Apple products, also looks unapologetically like a pair of snow goggles. It uses a single piece of laminated glass that “seamlessly blends into an aluminum frame.” Apple says it studied “thousands of heads” to ensure the headset provides the perfect comfort for just about any user. It also uses a modular design that allows for swapping of different parts.

For example, Apple worked with Zeiss to create vision correction inserts for users who wear glasses. These magnetically attach to the inside of the headset, making them easy to take in and out to accommodate multiple users for one headset.

Apple Vision Pro is both an AR and a VR headset

Apple is calling this an augmented reality headset, but don’t let that fool you. Vision Pro will be capable of doing full virtual reality with just a twist of the dial that sits on the side. That means you can easily use things like apps in augmented reality while watching movies or playing games in full VR. depending on what suits your needs or preferences best.

This works due to passthrough video that lets you see what’s in front of you. Meanwhile you can also see whatever content you’re engaging with. The headset is powered by VisionOS and will have access to a ton of the apps you already use on your iPhone. Such as the App Store, Apple Music, Safari and more. Even apps like Disney+ will be available day one according to Disney CEO Bob Iger, who debuted some Disney+ experiences for Vision Pro during the event.

Vision Pro launches next year for $3,499. That’s a significantly higher price than other similar AR and VR hardware. But then again this is a first-generation product and Apple likely wants to limit who buys it right away.