How Apple Vision Pro Promises to Be Different From Other VR Headsets

1. Apple Is Trying to Change How We Interact With Computers Again

Two days ago, Apple unveiled its long-awaited Vision Pro goggles. After years of waiting to join the virtual reality gaming scene, the company might seem to be lagging behind the technology curve. But looking at the details recently announced, nothing could be further from the truth. If this device catches on, it could revolutionize how people interact with computers by merging augmented reality with spatial computing. But what does that actually mean?

2. What Is Apple Vision Pro?

Apple's ability to reinvent familiar things for new territory is well known. The company excels at turning everyday high-tech products into must-have luxury items that make users feel part of an exclusive group. Apple Vision Pro is no exception. In other words, Apple is creating a hybrid out of familiar products and technologies, such as the VR headset Google Glass and augmented reality.

In simple terms, when you put on Apple's goggles, a virtual computer screen appears in your living space, and you can interact with it by talking, gesturing, or moving your eyes. You can do almost everything you can do on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop using this headset. The operating system, called visionOS, resembles iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, so anyone already using Apple products can feel comfortable with it right away.

3. How Is Apple Vision Pro Different From What's Already on the Market?

BestReviews has tested several VR headsets, and they all offer similar capabilities when it comes to VR. But AR is a different story. Different versions of the Meta Oculus Quest and HTC Vive headsets let users immerse themselves in a virtual world to play games, watch content, or learn. But compared to the see-through goggles Apple has adopted, that experience is isolating, whereas Apple's approach lets you stay connected to and engaged with the real world.

Apple Vision Pro also marks the company's first step into the world of spatial computing. In essence, this is three-dimensional computing. It lets you explore data and interact with computers in ways that weren't possible with two-dimensional computing.

• See more: Is the Apple Vision Pro an AR Headset or a VR Headset?

4. Advice for Consumers Interested in Groundbreaking Technology

Everyone wants to be the first to own a new device, but history has shown (repeatedly) that buying a first generation isn't wise — especially something that costs as much as $3,500.

As hard as it is, waiting has two advantages. First, the second generation will undoubtedly fix many of the bugs the first generation had. Second, competing products will pressure Apple to keep its prices reasonable. And if the first generation turns out to be perfect, its price will drop once the second generation launches — so either way, it's a smart move.

Apple also sometimes releases more affordable versions later to cover other price points for its high-end products. Think of the MacBook Air, iPhone SE, and iPad Air, for example.