Last week, rumours emerged suggesting that Apple was developing VR content for its upcoming Vision Pro headset well before the firm unveiled its MR device at WWDC 2023.
Apple is using VR cameras to film upcoming and unspecified Apple TV+ immersive content ready to stream on Vision Pro hardware.
The leak claims the camera Apple is using to shoot potential immersive Apple TV+ content enables filmmakers to capture 180-degree footage that a headset operator at home watches within an immersive Apple space.
RUMOR: Apple has been shooting all their AppleTV+ shows in 180 VR.
Leaked photo of the 180-camera rig on set. pic.twitter.com/JKZ8mKizSR
— David Altizer (@dvdaltizer) July 7, 2023
Will the Apple Vision Pro Revolutionise Media Streaming?
If Apple figures out its current production hurdles. The firm plans to launch its Vision Pro device in 2024 at a $2,499 price point for US customers – before global distribution.
Apple was keen to avoid terms such as the metaverse and VR – only uttering AR once, despite a historical appreciation of digital augmentation – instead hyping its immersive technology as a spatial computing device.
Apple is promoting the device as a productivity and media streaming tool, while other use cases like gaming and metaverse content are currently under development. For its launch, the firm appears to be centring the Vision Pro around an immersive suite of Apple tools and entertainment services; before expanding the use cases.
While expanded use cases will pop up, Apple appears to be relying on immersive ports of established productivity tools to support the Vision Pro in its formative years. However, more content is on the way, thanks to a deep Unity partnership.
Alongside its productivity vision, Apple is also lauding its headset as a tool for media streaming. The firm is promoting the device as a product which integrates Apple TV media streaming potential – namely for 2D content unless the most recent leaks are correct.
So, Apple’s recent leak concerning VR camera rigs could give credence to the idea that Apple is developing a selection of immersive media to launch alongside its product debut. Helping Apple secure system selling content and to break XR into the mainstream, again and perhaps for good.
Many XR products lack significant content offerings that secure widespread adoption. However, with Apple’s Unity partnership and its TV+ leak, the firm may be positioning itself with a content lineup pushing its device ahead of the pack.
