The highly anticipated mixed reality Apple Vision Pro headset from Apple Inc. will launch in the U.S. and ship to customers on Feb. 2, the company said today, with pre-orders beginning on Jan. 19.

The Vision Pro is a mixed reality device, meaning that it provides users the capability of immersive virtual reality experiences and blended digital and real-world experiences using cameras that pass through visuals. Apple unveiled the headset during the WWDC 2023 conference last year in June, revealing its price tag of $3,499, which the company confirmed today.

“The era of spatial computing has arrived,” said Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook. “Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronics device ever created. Its revolutionary and magical user interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore.”

Under the hood, the Vision Pro runs on a new operating system Apple called visionOS, which Cook said at the time had been inspired by macOS, iOS and iPadOS but developed to build into the era of “spatial computing.” The concept behind spatial computing is devices that provide 3D displays and interfaces such as virtual, augmented and mixed reality devices.

With the Vision Pro and visionOS, users gain access to a three-dimensional user interface and input system with full-featured gesture controls that can track their eyes, hands and listen to their voice to assist with navigation. According to Apple, this will make moving through 3D applications more intuitive and simpler when adjusting from 2D mouse and keyboard or touchpads.

The headset features an all-new App Store that will include familiar applications from iOS and iPadOS ported from those operating systems into visionOS, which will automatically work with the new input system. As the device provides more pixels than a 4K TV per eye, users can watch TV shows and movies in amazing clarity, play video games or do productivity work with relative ease, the company said.

The headsets ship with 256GB of base storage. For users with visual impairments, “readers” are available for an additional $99 and Zeiss Optical Inserts with prescription lenses are available for $149.

“The price point and Apple’s efforts over the last several months have been aimed at developers. The post-holiday timing of such a release is aimed at the company’s early adopters and most individuals don’t have a spare $3,000+ to buy a luxury item in Q1,” Rolf Illenberger, chief executive of VRDirect, an enterprise VR platform, told SiliconANGLE. “That said, if the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, it could spark a new wave of momentum in the entire industry — and not just with Apple, but with Meta and other devices on the market as too.”

Apple said the device will ship with two options for head attachments: a Solo Knit Band, made out of 70% recycled yarn, and a Dual Loop Band so users can choose their best fit. The Vision Pro also includes a separate battery, a USB-C charging cable, a USB-C power adapter, a light seal, two light seal cushions, a cover for the front of the device and a polishing cloth.

Image: Apple