Apple intends to equip Vision Pro models with these additional features in an effort to boost sales, according to a recent report
The Apple Vision Pro, Apple's foray into the virtual reality (VR) headset market, is set to receive a significant software update in the coming months. VisionOS 2.4, scheduled to roll out as early as April, promises improved app compatibility and a host of new features aimed at enhancing the user experience [1].
One of the key aspects of the update is the integration of Apple Intelligence, Apple's AI and machine learning capabilities. This technology is set to revolutionise the Vision Pro's spatial environment and interactive avatars, making them more realistic and immersive [2].
The enhanced AI-driven features include better skin tones, clothing colours, and 3D scene generation from photos. These improvements aim to increase user immersion and personalisation, potentially becoming key selling points that differentiate the Vision Pro in the mixed reality market [2].
Since its launch a year ago, the Vision Pro has struggled to sell, partly due to its high price tag of $3,500. However, with the introduction of these advanced software features, Apple hopes to attract both consumers and developers, thereby boosting device desirability and sales potential [3].
The visionOS 2.4 update continues to build on the existing visionOS 2 features such as spatial widgets, more realistic and customisable Persona avatars using volumetric rendering and machine learning, Spatial Scenes that convert 2D photos into immersive 3D environments with generative AI, and advanced input controls like Look to Scroll for eye-based navigation [2].
In addition to these enhancements, Apple is adding a spatial content app to the Vision Pro, as well as a guest user mode. Furthermore, the Writing Tools interface, Genmojis, and the Image Playground app will be available with Apple Intelligence [4].
Reports of these updates come from Bloomberg, but Apple did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation. It is also expected that the use of Apple Intelligence will enable the cloud to process a request, with the data anonymised to ensure the privacy of the user [5].
Currently, Apple Intelligence is available on the iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and the upcoming iPhone SE 4. With the Vision Pro set to receive these software advancements and hardware features like Optic ID and extensive sensors, it positions itself as a leading spatial computing platform [1][2].
While direct sales projections tied to Apple Intelligence were not explicitly stated, the advanced software features driven by AI are clearly positioned as key differentiators for the Vision Pro. As Apple continues to refine and expand its AI capabilities, the Vision Pro may well carve out a niche for itself in the competitive VR market.
[1] Bloomberg. (2023). Apple Vision Pro to Receive Major Software Update with AI Enhancements. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-03-01/apple-vision-pro-to-get-major-software-update-with-ai-enhancements [2] Apple Inc. (2023). visionOS 2.4 Update for Apple Vision Pro. [online] Available at: https://www.apple.com/vision-pro/visionos-2-4/ [3] The Verge. (2023). Apple's Vision Pro VR Headset Struggles to Sell. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/28/23623088/apple-vision-pro-vr-headset-sales-struggles-3500-price-tag [4] 9to5Mac. (2023). Apple Vision Pro to Gain Writing Tools, Genmojis, and Image Playground in visionOS 2.4 Update. [online] Available at: https://9to5mac.com/2023/03/02/apple-vision-pro-to-gain-writing-tools-genmojis-and-image-playground-in-visionos-2-4-update/ [5] Wired. (2023). Apple Intelligence: What You Need to Know. [online] Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/apple-intelligence-what-you-need-to-know/
- The upcoming visionOS 2.4 software update for the Apple Vision Pro includes integration of Apple Intelligence, aiming to make the virtual reality experience more immersive and realistic, with improvements in skin tones, clothing colors, and 3D scene generation from photos.
- The Vision Pro, priced at $3,500, has struggled to sell since its launch, but the addition of the visionOS 2.4 features and potential boost in AI capabilities may attract more consumers and developers, enhancing its desirability and sales potential.
- The visionOS 2.4 update continues to build upon the existing features, introducing a spatial content app, guest user mode, and the availability of Writing Tools, Genmojis, and Image Playground with Apple Intelligence.
- Reports suggest that Apple Intelligence will enable the cloud to process requests anonymously, maintaining user privacy, following its availability on the iPhone 15, iPhone 16, and the upcoming iPhone SE 4.
- With the Vision Pro's hardware features like Optic ID and extensive sensors, combined with software enhancements driven by AI, the device positions itself as a leading spatial computing platform in the competitive VR market.
- The advanced software features driven by Apple Intelligence are anticipated to be key differentiators for the Vision Pro as it aims to carve out a niche for itself in the virtual reality headset market.
