Those who had the chance to experience the Vision Pro at WWDC are largely in agreement: VR appears to have finally shattered its technical constraints to deliver a truly thrilling experience.
Many have likened this innovation to the iPhone 4 epoch, which introduced the Retina Display. Despite the Vision Pro’s steep price tag of $3,499, we’re genuinely thrilled about its potential.
From a productivity standpoint, if it can stand as a primary device for tasks, its value becomes quite clear. This device will appeal to those frequently working remotely – whether in transit, at second homes, or elsewhere – who will appreciate the expanded workable area and the ability to fully function without the limitations of a small laptop. This will particularly appeal to those accustomed to operating with multiple monitors, myself included.
In the realm of entertainment, the potential for viewing movies on a ‘large screen’ and in private settings like on flights, or engaging with sports in a more immersive (and potentially social) manner, is very enticing.
However, we believe it will usher in a revolutionary shift in app marketing, a feat not accomplished by previous Apple products:
While the iPad was essentially a different form factor for iPhone apps, Apple Watch apps were spatially restricted and mainly attractive for fitness enthusiasts, and the Apple TV found most of its use with entertainment apps.
These app limitations likely prevented these ecosystems from flourishing in the way we anticipate the Vision Pro ecosystem will:
It’s clear that various sectors could greatly appeal to Vision Pro users. Games and entertainment are the obvious frontrunners. But in their presentation, Apple highlighted productivity, and we foresee other categories overhauling their app services to accommodate Vision Pro. Consider, for instance:
One-on-one video consultations could revolutionize how businesses like banks interact with customers and the related costs. Retailers might present their products in a more visual format, encouraging spontaneous shopping experiences. Imagine, for instance, a shopping experience that closely mimics visiting a physical supermarket. Language learning apps could provide superior education by immersing students in bustling streets of potential travel destinations, and other educational apps could simulate real-world testing environments, like classrooms.
The above examples might not create intriguing experiences on the iPad, Apple Watch, or Apple TV, but they make perfect sense for the Vision Pro.
VR technology is not a new concept, but if Apple succeeds in creating a truly immersive experience – and if other companies follow suit, as we’ve seen with smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and smart TVs – we may be on the brink of an app ecosystem that rivals only smartphones.
