During the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple finally provided details about its highly anticipated mixed-reality headset, known as the Apple Vision Pro. The announcement generated significant interest and curiosity among tech enthusiasts when it was revealed on June 5.
Interestingly, one notable absence from the launch was any mention of the term “metaverse.” Apple appears to have intentionally chosen to refer to its technology as the first “spatial computer.” The Apple Vision Pro is set to be released in the United States in early 2024 with a retail price of $3,499, followed by availability in other countries.
This announcement signifies a departure from the approaches taken by Microsoft with its Hololens launches and Meta’s headsets, as both companies prominently used the term “metaverse” in their presentations.
Apple’s marketing strategy focuses on highlighting the concepts of “spatial” and “spatial computing” rather than relying on terms such as “metaverse,” “AR,” and “VR.” By emphasizing the spatial aspect, Apple aims to position its headset as a device that seamlessly integrates the physical and digital worlds.
The decision to avoid explicitly referencing the metaverse reflects Apple’s unique perspective on the future of mixed reality. While the metaverse has gained attention as a concept of a shared virtual reality space, Apple seems to be approaching it from a different angle, with a greater emphasis on spatial computing.
Spatial computing refers to technologies that enable interactions between users and their digital surroundings in three-dimensional space. By leveraging spatial computing, Apple’s Vision Pro headset aims to provide an immersive and intuitive user experience, blurring the lines between the physical and virtual realms.
As Apple prepares for the launch of its Vision Pro headset, the company’s focus on spatial computing showcases its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that pushes the boundaries of mixed reality experiences. While other companies embrace the metaverse terminology, Apple’s unique approach may shape the future of how we perceive and interact with digital environments.
