Today, during Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2024 kick-off keynote, the company discussed various elements of its product portfolio. During this, Apple unveiled VisionOS 2, the latest version of its spatial computing operating system, and international availability for the Vision Pro.
Apple Vice President Mike Rockwell and Tim Cook, CEO, unveiled the new updates. Apple explained that roughly 2,000 spatial applications are available on the productivity-focused XR device alongside more than 1.5 million compatible iOS and iPadOS applications. Apple also highlights how major workplace digital service providers, including Box, Craft, Fantastical, MindNode, Slack, Things 3, Webex, Zoom, and Microsoft 365, are adopting the hardware.
Apple’s debut device has received massive interest. To support this influx of emerging immersive applications, the firm is upgrading the operating system, powering the Vision Pro.
Tim Cook said:
The enthusiasm for Apple Vision Pro has been extraordinary, and we are thrilled to introduce the magic of spatial computing to more customers around the world. We can’t wait for more people to see the impossible become possible, whether working and collaborating with an infinite canvas for apps, reliving treasured memories in three dimensions, watching TV shows and movies in a one-of-a-kind personal cinema, or enjoying brand-new spatial experiences that defy imagination.
The visionOS update is ready for Vision Pro users following a series of beta testing stages. Apple is planning to drop the update this fall, free for all users.
Apple has not revealed all the new features of visionOS 2; however, currently, the firm is showcasing new tools for 3D spatial recordings, new hand gestures for the Home View space, Mac Virtual Display optimisation, Travel Mode, and Guest User updates.
Another detail Apple revealed is that when customers order Apple Vision Pro, they will need to complete a face scene via an updated iPhone or iPad with Face ID to create a preciously fitting headband.
Vision Pro Available in Eight New Regions this June
Moreover, Apple released massive news revealing that the Vision Pro will be available for worldwide preorder in eight new regions this month. The rollout will allow all selected regions to get hands-on with the device by early next month.
Pre-orders for China (mainland, 24,502 CNY), Japan (484,415 JPY), and Singapore (4,725 SGD) start this Thursday, June 13, at 6 p.m. PT; with Apple planning to release the product Friday, June 28.
Moreover, Apple is opening pre-orders for Australia (5,195 AUD), Canada (4,725 CAD), France (3,245 EUR), Germany (3,245 EUR), and the United Kingdom (2,785 GBP) regions later this month on Friday, June 28, at 5 a.m. PT; with general availability starting on Friday, July 12.
The product package includes additional accessories, including a solo knit band, a dual loop band, a personalized light seal with two light seal cushions, an Apple Vision Pro cover, a polishing cloth, a battery, a USB-C charge cable, and a USB-C power adapter. Moreover, the package includes ZEISS Optical Prescription inserts that improve clarity.
More on Vision Pro in Enterprise
Apple is solidifying its position in the workplace. In a recent promotional video before WWDC 2024, Cook discussed how Vision Pro and spatial computing revolutionise work tools for early adopters.
Cook mentioned that companies like Porsche, Sharp Healthcare, and others utilise Apple Vision Pro headsets to develop new spatial experiences, from training service technicians to designing future showrooms.
Apple’s vision, marketing efforts, and partnerships contribute to XR’s journey into the mainstream as the company gradually promotes XR adoption in the workplace.
During Nvidia’s GTC 2024 keynote, CEO Jensen Huang underscored the company’s backing of Apple Vision Pro in various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and design, in collaboration with its Omniverse ecosystem.
Apple is putting its stakes in the enterprise market with its Vision Pro, and with the nine new regions, Apple is clearly aiming to drive Vision Pro workplace ubiquity. However, Apple’s interest in the XR space brings broader investments into the market, creating a healthy pool of vendors competing to eye the top spot in the enterprise space.
Later in the year, Meta is hosting its Connect 2024 technology showcase this week. It will take place on September 25 – 26, 2024, featuring Meta’s latest digital solutions from its social media and XR umbrella.
This year has been significant for XR devices, with Apple showing interest in the sector. This has sparked interest from other considerable headset vendors as well. Meta must use Connect to establish a market lead by presenting an exceptional and competitive product portfolio to compete with this increasing competition.
Now that Apple’s international avalibltiy plans are underway, MR devices could become a hot tech topic towards the end of 2024. The whole WWDC showcase is set to reveal more insights into the firm’s product portfolio – taking place between June 10th and 13th
