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In June 2023, Apple unveiled its ground-breaking head-mounted mixed reality device, the Vision Pro—a marvellous breakthrough following the success of its iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Initially released in the United States in February to a favourable reception, the Vision Pro was subsequently launched in multiple countries, including Hong Kong, in early July. Having had the opportunity to try out the Vision Pro first-hand at an Apple store, I can attest that the experience far exceeded my expectations despite having seen numerous official demonstrations before.

To sample the Vision Pro, one can simply book a 30-minute demo session on Apple's website. The device is equipped with gesture control and eye-tracking technology, and the staff provides thorough instructions on how to interact with the virtual interface using both hands and eyes. The accuracy and fluidity of the detection systems are truly commendable.

Immersive Metaverse Experience

When viewing panoramic photos or videos with the Vision Pro, users are transported into a fully realized 180-degrees environment. The user's hands appear within the scene, and three-dimensional characters seem almost tangible, offering a level of realism that surpasses traditional 4D technologies. Watching sports events are particularly impressive due to the device's two 4K microdisplays, which deliver exceptional visual clarity.

Users can also access immersive interactive games and videos from the App Store, such as having adventures in a dinosaur world where they can touch and interact with virtual creatures, offering a novel computational experience that seamlessly blends the real and virtual worlds.

Areas for Improvement and Wider Adoption Expected

The Vision Pro is currently targeted at a premium consumer base, including tech enthusiasts and those seeking enhanced entertainment experiences, largely due to its high price point of USD 3,499. It is expected that, similar to the iPhone, more affordable versions will be introduced to cater to a wider audience. In terms of text input, the Vision Pro presents some limitations. While it supports typing via an external keyboard, virtual text entry requires a period of adaption for users. Apple staff have hinted that enhancements to these software functionalities may be unveiled in as early as September.

The Vision Pro weighs 650 grams, and when two controllers are added, the total weight is comparable to that of an 850-gram can of powdered milk. This weight can make the device feel somewhat cumbersome and less suitable for extended periods of use, indicating a need for further refinement in this area.

Apple chose North America as the initial market for the Vision Pro due to the region's strong purchasing power and high receptiveness to new technologies. As economies continue to grow and technology becomes more widespread, there is considerable potential demand for innovative products like the Vision Pro in Asia, particularly in China. However, Apple's success in the Asian market remains to be seen. Beyond personal consumption, the Vision Pro holds substantial promise in business, education and training, industrial design, maintenance, and healthcare applications such as remote diagnostics and surgical guidance.

Wong Lai Kwok Ruby, Director of ETF Business Development at Nikko Asset Management.