It's the latest entry to the world of mixed-reality headsets, one that's competitive and has a high bar to prove it can become a part of daily life. The Apple Vision Pro, which is expected to be released in 2024, comes with a $3,499 price tag — much higher than competing devices like Meta's $499 Quest 3.
Apple tends to choose its words carefully when talking about new products. As Axios' Ina Fried pointed out, Apple seemingly stayed away from using the term "smartphone," using it only once, when launching the iPhone in 2007.
Here are some of the key terms Apple did use in the presentation to launch Vision Pro, and some it seemingly steered clear of:
Of the many terms used in association with headsets like virtual reality and mixed reality, Apple chose to use the term augmented reality at the introduction of Vision Pro.
"I believe that augmented reality is a profound technology," Apple CEO Tim Cook said. "Blending digital content with the real world can unlock experiences like nothing we've ever seen. So today I'm excited to announce an entirely new AR platform with a revolutionary new product."
In the two-hour presentation, however, this was the only time augmented reality was mentioned.
Didn't mention: Artificial Intelligence
The term AI was noticeably missing from Apple's presentation Monday, Insider's Madeline Berg reported.
While Apple did use terms like "machine learning" to describe certain features of Vision Pro, the industry's word of the moment didn't come up at all. While rivals like Alphabet and Microsoft are racing to tap into generative AI, Apple hasn't gone all-in yet.
Did mention: Spatial Computing
Spatial computing, a term that refers to being able to use machines beyond computer or phone screens, came up in the introduction of the Vision Pro as Apple's next computing frontier.
"In the same way that Mac introduced us to personal computing and iPhone introduced us to mobile computing, Apple Vision Pro will introduce us to spatial computing," Cook said. "This marks the beginning of a journey that will bring a new dimension to powerful, personal technology."
Didn't mention: Reality Pro
Reality Pro was the reported name for Apple's new headset. Instead, the company opted for the name Vision Pro. Opting not to use the word "reality" in the device name further distances it from other virtual and mixed-reality devices.
Devices like Vision Pro will need to prove they can fit into people's everyday lives, and EyeSight is potentially a new technology that could pull that off. Keeping people aware of their surroundings while using Vision Pro could keep it from being isolating to use, for instance.
Did mention: Immersive
When describing Vision Pro, the word "immersive" came up quite a bit. It suggests Apple intends to lean into the ability of the device to captivate people as a major selling point.
"There are certain products that shift the way we look at technology and the role it plays in our lives," Cook said. "We believe Apple Vision Pro is a revolutionary product, with the performance, immersion, and capability that only Apple can deliver."
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