Apple is gearing up to launch its much-anticipated Vision Pro headset on February 2, promising a groundbreaking mixed-reality experience for users. In a recent announcement, the tech giant has revealed details about the streaming apps that will be available on the Apple Vision Pro, providing a glimpse into the immersive entertainment options that await consumers.
App Store Integration and Compatibility
One of the significant highlights of the Apple Vision Pro is its integration with the visionOS App Store. The device will feature a dedicated App Store, specifically tailored to harness the capabilities of the Vision Pro headset. Notably, the visionOS App Store will accommodate apps designed explicitly for the Vision Pro and allow iOS apps to run on the device in a 2D mode.
Apple assures developers that porting existing apps to the Vision Pro will be a seamless process, making most apps readily accessible on the platform. However, developers have the option to opt out of listing their apps on the Vision Pro App Store, ensuring a certain degree of selectivity.
Streaming Services Galore
Apple has confirmed that Vision Pro users will have access to a vast array of streaming services, including Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN, MLB, PGA Tour, Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, Crunchyroll, Red Bull TV, IMAX, TikTok, and MUBI. This comprehensive lineup promises a wide range of content for users to enjoy on the headset.
3D Movies and Immersive Viewing
At launch, the Vision Pro will offer users access to over 150 3D movies from top studios worldwide. These include both timeless classics and recent releases, such as "Avatar: The Way of Water," "Dune," "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," and "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." Notably, several streaming apps, including Disney+, will offer 3D versions of their latest and most popular movies, enhancing the immersive experience for users.
Additional Features
The Vision Pro headset introduces several innovative features designed to enhance user experience. One such feature is the Travel Mode, which stabilizes visuals for in-flight use, ensuring uninterrupted entertainment during travel.
Additionally, the Guest User mode allows users to share specific apps and experiences with friends and family, such as Photos or Safari. While in Guest User mode, primary user account settings, including Optic ID, passcode, passwords, Apple Pay, Persona, and health data, are restricted.
Notable Omissions
Among the streaming giants making their apps available for Vision Pro, one significant name is missing—Netflix. While Netflix won't offer a visionOS version of its app, the standard Netflix app will still be compatible with the Vision Pro. This omission might not come as a surprise, given the past complexities in the relationship between Netflix and Apple.
Immersive Entertainment Beyond Streaming
In addition to streaming content, Apple Vision Pro users can look forward to immersive entertainment experiences. This includes 3D 8K recordings captured with Spatial Audio, offering a new dimension to audiovisual content. These experiences span various genres, from music with Alicia Keys to documentaries like "Prehistoric Planet Immersive," produced in collaboration with the creators of "Planet Earth."
Disney+ Partnership and Iconic Environments
Apple has also partnered with Disney+ to provide 3D content from the streaming service at launch. To further elevate the viewing experience, Disney+ subscribers will gain access to unique animated screening environments, including iconic settings such as the Disney+ Theater, inspired by Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre, Marvel's Avengers Tower, the Scare Floor from Pixar's "Monsters Inc.," and Luke Skywalker's landspeeder on Tatooine.
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Vision Pro starts at a price point of USD 3,499 in the U.S., making it a premium offering in the mixed-reality headset market. Pre-orders for the device are set to commence on January 19, with availability initially limited to the United States. However, Apple plans to expand availability to additional countries later in the year.
