Apple Vision Pro: a new vision for reality

With its proven ability to reshape entire industries, it’s not a question of if Apple will succeed but when.

Apple Vision Pro.

Apple's impact on the world has been remarkable. The company has consistently been at the forefront of technological advancements, transforming numerous industries along the way. 

Remember the iPod? It quickly became the gold standard in MP3 players after its release in 2001 and went on to dominate the market with a 70% share by 2005. Apple’s subsequent revolutionary, the iPhone, reshaped the smartphone industry in 2007 and redefined what it meant to be truly mobile. In 2010, the iPad further pushed boundaries by popularizing the tablet format and opening up new possibilities for creativity and productivity on a portable device. And let’s not forget AirPods, they arrived in 2016 and played a significant role in mainstreaming wireless earbuds and inspiring a surge of competition and advancements in the industry.

After its launch in 2001, Apple's iPod swiftly established itself as the benchmark for MP3 players. Getty Images

With its track record, it's no wonder that anticipation is building around the upcoming launch of its spatial device at WWDC. It’s a big deal for the industry and it’s a big deal for us. 

Magnopus was started to solve a problem: the disconnection between the physical and digital worlds. We’ve spent the past decade working with some pretty great companies across AR, VR, virtual production, and a whole bunch of other technologies to create a better world where physical and digital realities become one. So we’re excited to see what Apple’s contribution will mean for our mission and the future. 

That might sound a bit full on, but Apple’s entry goes far beyond just another addition to the existing landscape. It has the power to catalyze a remarkable expansion of the XR industry itself. With the world's most iconic tech company actively pursuing the medium, it sends a strong message about the value and potential of a unified reality. Apple's involvement holds the promise of driving widespread adoption, shaping the trajectory of immersive experiences, and igniting a wave of innovation within the XR domain. It’s a big deal. 

Let’s break it down. 

User Privacy, in a New Reality

Apple’s commitment to user privacy stands in stark contrast to the competition, whose business models are based on selling user data for advertising. This is a significant and important differentiator. Given the intimacy of devices that we wear on our bodies and the sensitivity with which we should treat devices that have numerous cameras and sensors pointing into our most private spaces, Apple’s approach here will set the standard. 

Expertise in seamlessly blending hardware and software to create an experience that transcends both 

Apple has a proven track record of delivering exceptional user experiences. By tightly integrating hardware and software, Apple creates a cohesive and intuitive user interface that simplifies interactions and enhances overall usability. Needless to say, we’re expecting a smooth experience from the device.

Strong reputation for quality 

The company has a long-standing commitment to craftsmanship, aesthetics, and build quality. This attention to detail is expected to extend to their headset, ensuring a high-end, premium device that raises the bar for VR/AR headsets. 

Existing ecosystem of devices, apps, and services 

By tapping into the vast Apple ecosystem, we’re expecting that users will be able to access their digital content, seamlessly between different Apple products, and enjoy enhanced functionality across the ecosystem. This cohesive integration should not only simplify the user experience but also unlock unique features and interactions that are exclusive to Apple users. 

The new headset will join an extensive ecosystem of existing devices. BasicAppleGuy

Increased competition and adoption 

Apple is a beacon of innovation and elegance. It has a massive global user base and an unshakable brand presence. As Apple’s reputation lures more people in and more people embrace immersive technologies, the floodgates will open, leading to a broader range of content creation and development, propelling the entire XR industry forward. 

Potential for innovation 

Apple's thriving ecosystem and vibrant developer community form a powerhouse duo. With this influx of talent and resources, we can expect innovation to surge, and we’ll see the creation of applications and experiences that push the boundaries of what’s currently possible.

Enhanced user experience 

Whether through immersive gaming, interactive entertainment, virtual communication, or productivity applications, the expectation is that Apple's device will provide engaging, intuitive, and transformative experiences for users.

Market Impact and Validity 

Apple's entry into the market brings validation and credibility to the technology as a whole. As one of the world's most influential and iconic tech companies, Apple's involvement underscores the growing importance and potential of a unified experience across physical and digital. This recognition from Apple encourages further investment, research, and development in the industry, spurring excitement and anticipation for the future of AR/VR.

Apple's entry into the XR market is about much more than just the device. It’s a pivotal moment for the XR industry. There’s much talk about whether Apple will be successful, but it’s not about if, it’s about when.

The real concern is that it might take longer than people hope and expect. If it does, it may create the perception that the technology will never become ubiquitous, resulting in dampened enthusiasm among both consumers and investors and a stagnant XR industry. 

Commentators need to be mindful that this is not going to be easy. The XR industry presents numerous challenges, including technological advancements, consumer adoption, and ecosystem development. Apple's commitment to perfection and its emphasis on delivering seamless user experiences might necessitate additional time to overcome these hurdles. Nonetheless, given Apple's track record and the company's ability to redefine industries, when Apple does find success in the XR industry it will redefine our digital and physical realities and propel us into a future where the extraordinary becomes the everyday. 

It’s going to be worth the wait.