Apple's new virtual reality glasses tested: “Magic, but would we want to live and work with something like this on our heads?” | is reading

However, with the Vision Pro, Apple has an advantage over the competition, especially in terms of… Mixed reality. Most headsets so far have been developed to provide the most realistic VR experience, for example in games. Only later did developers also add augmented reality applications.

Apple, on the other hand, is focusing heavily on both aspects with the Vision Pro. Tim Cook has always said that augmented reality is more important to him than virtual reality. And after testing the Vision Pro, Vandeputte understood why, too. “It is a pleasure to maintain contact with reality and not be completely cut off from the real world.”

Apple has also introduced some new tools. This allows users to create an “personality”: a digital version of yourself that other Vision Pro users can see during video calls, for example.

The user's eyes are also projected onto the outside of the glasses, so he can always “maintain eye contact” with the people around him. “That sounds a little strange,” says Vandeputte. “When you create your virtual character, your eyes are scanned and those digital eyes are the ones people see.” So there is no real eye contact.

Is Vision Pro worth the money?

The difference with competitors also, and perhaps mainly, lies in the technical specifications. Apple has chosen the best of the best in terms of picture and sound. This also translates to price. The Vision Pro is priced at $3,499 (about 3,250 euros). This is much more expensive than Meta Quest 3, for example, which you can buy for around €550.

Currently, Vision Pro is only available in the US. It is not yet known when it will also be sold elsewhere. Apple will likely focus first on the Canadian and UK market (end of 2024) and then the European mainland and Asia (early 2025).

Belgians who want to buy glasses will not only have to dig deep into their pockets, but they will also have to travel to the United States themselves or buy imported glasses. The question is: Is the Apple Vision Pro worth the effort and money?

Definitely for the real fans. The Apple Vision Pro is undoubtedly the most advanced virtual reality headset the world has ever seen. “The Meta Quest 3 is a good Volkswagen, and the Vision Pro is a Ferrari,” Van Leugenhagen makes the comparison.