Apple’s first spatial computer, the Vision Pro, has been hailed as a game-changer for the field of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). However, according to a recent report by a well-known Apple analyst, the device may not see major hardware improvements for several years.
Vision Pro: A Breakthrough in Spatial Computing
The Vision Pro, which was unveiled in June 2023 and launched in February 2024, is Apple’s most ambitious product to date. It is a standalone headset that seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world, creating an infinite canvas for apps and entertainment. The device features a three-dimensional user interface that can be controlled by the user’s eyes, hands, and voice, as well as a high-resolution display system that packs 23 million pixels across two displays. The device also runs on visionOS, the world’s first spatial operating system, which is built on the foundation of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.
The Vision Pro enables users to interact with their favorite apps, capture and relive memories, enjoy stunning TV shows and movies, and connect with others in FaceTime, all in a way that feels like the digital content is physically present in their space. The device also supports Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad, allowing users to create a perfect workspace or bring the capabilities of their Mac into Vision Pro wirelessly. The device also has a 3D camera that can capture spatial photos and videos, which can be viewed on the headset with immersive Spatial Audio.
The Vision Pro has received rave reviews from critics and users alike, who praised its innovative design, powerful performance, and immersive experiences. The device has also attracted the interest of developers, who have created more than 600 new apps for the device, ranging from games, education, productivity, social, and more.
Vision Pro: A Slow Upgrade Cycle
Despite the success and popularity of the Vision Pro, the device may not receive significant hardware upgrades for a long time, according to a report by Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable Apple analyst. Kuo claims that the Vision Pro is unlikely to see major improvements in display resolution, field of view, weight, or battery life until 2027, due to the technical challenges and high costs involved. Kuo also predicts that the Vision Pro will have a low shipment volume of around 500,000 units in 2024, and that the device will mainly target niche markets such as education, entertainment, and enterprise.
Kuo’s report contradicts some of the earlier rumors and expectations about the Vision Pro, which suggested that the device would have a faster upgrade cycle than other Apple products, such as the iPhone or the iPad. Some analysts and experts had speculated that the Vision Pro would receive annual or biennial updates, similar to other AR/VR devices in the market, such as the Oculus Quest or the HTC Vive. Some had also hoped that the Vision Pro would become more affordable and accessible over time, as Apple would lower the price and improve the features of the device.
However, Kuo’s report suggests that the Vision Pro may follow a different path, similar to the Mac Pro, which is a high-end desktop computer that targets professional users and has a slow upgrade cycle. The Mac Pro was first introduced in 2006, and has only received four major updates since then, with the latest one being in 2019. The Mac Pro is also one of the most expensive products in Apple’s lineup, with a starting price of $5,999.
Vision Pro: A Future-Proof Device
While some users and developers may be disappointed by the prospect of a slow upgrade cycle for the Vision Pro, others may see it as a positive sign. A slow upgrade cycle could indicate that the Vision Pro is a future-proof device, that is, a device that is so advanced and powerful that it does not need frequent updates to remain relevant and competitive. A future-proof device could also offer more value and stability to the users and developers, as they would not have to worry about obsolescence or compatibility issues.
Moreover, a slow upgrade cycle does not mean that the Vision Pro will not receive any improvements at all. Apple could still update the software and firmware of the device, as well as the accessories and peripherals, to enhance the functionality and performance of the device. Apple could also introduce new services and content for the device, such as Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, and Apple Music, to enrich the user experience and engagement.
The Vision Pro is a revolutionary device that has opened up a new era of spatial computing. While the device may not see major hardware upgrades for several years, it is still a powerful and immersive device that offers extraordinary new experiences to the users and exciting new opportunities to the developers. The Vision Pro is a device that is ahead of its time, and may remain so for a long time.
