The Ultimate Apple Vision Pro FAQ: 58 Essential Answers

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Apple Vision Pro, where we aim to address your most pressing questions about this cutting-edge mixed-reality headset. In response to the inquiries we've received from our readers, we've compiled this detailed overview to provide clear and concise answers about the Vision Pro's features, pricing, and functionality.

In this guide, we will explore what the Apple Vision Pro is, its release timeline, and its pricing structure. We'll also talk about its practical uses; from immersive entertainment experiences to innovative productivity tools. Additionally, we'll cover technical aspects, including battery life, compatibility, and how it compares to other devices in the market. Whether you’re considering purchasing the Vision Pro or simply curious about its capabilities, this guide is designed to offer you a thorough understanding of what to expect from Apple’s latest technological advancement.

Basic Information

1. What is Apple Vision Pro? The Apple Vision Pro is a mixed-reality headset, released by Apple Inc., that combines both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) capabilities. It features high-resolution displays, advanced sensors, and powerful processors to deliver immersive experiences and spatial computing.


2. When did Apple Vision Pro come out? Apple Vision Pro was announced last year on June 6, 2023, at Apple’s yearly WWDC event (Worldwide Developers Conference). Apple Vision Pro’s U.S. preorders started on January 19, 2024, and the device began shipping to customers on February 2, 2024. Apple Vision Pro became available to some international customers between June 13, 2024 and June 28, 2024. Apple Vision Pro is still not available in all countries, however, and as of yet it is not as ubiquitous as the iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, for example.


3. How much is Apple Vision Pro? The base model of the Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499. Higher storage options are available: 512GB for $3,699 and 1TB for $3,899.


4. Why is Vision Pro so expensive? The high cost of the Vision Pro reflects its advanced technology, including dual 4K displays, the latest M2 and R1 chips, a comprehensive sensor array, and sophisticated spatial audio capabilities. The unique exterior display, used primarily for the Vision Pro’s EyeSight feature, also adds significantly to the total cost. It's positioned as a premium device in the AR/VR market.


5. What is Apple Vision Pro for? Apple Vision Pro is designed to redefine the way we engage with digital content and the physical world around us, Apple says. Its core purpose spans entertainment, productivity, and communication, creating deeply immersive experiences that transform everyday tasks.
   
   
   • For entertainment, Vision Pro elevates how users consume media. With dual 4K displays and spatial audio, it allows for the viewing of ultra-high-definition content that feels cinematic, whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or experiencing interactive environments. Its ability to project a large virtual screen means you can turn any room into a personal movie theater or gaming arena, offering a new standard for immersive media consumption.
   • In terms of productivity, Vision Pro shifts how users work by enabling spatial computing. Traditional desktop environments are replaced by interactive virtual workspaces where multiple windows and apps can be organized in 3D space, seamlessly integrated with real-world objects. It enhances productivity by allowing users to interact with apps and documents in a more intuitive and dynamic way. Paired with accessories like the Mac, it can function as a massive virtual display, giving professionals a new way to manage tasks, collaborate, and multitask in ways previously unimaginable on standard screens.
   • One of Vision Pro’s most profound impacts is on communication. Apple emphasizes that the device is designed to make virtual interactions feel more personal and engaging. Whether through FaceTime or other video conferencing tools, the Vision Pro leverages spatial video and 3D audio to make conversations more lifelike, as if participants are physically present in the same room. This fosters a stronger sense of connection, especially during remote meetings, social interactions, or even virtual family gatherings. Vision Pro creates digital avatars using Apple’s advanced persona technology, enhancing the sense of presence and reality in these interactions.


6. Is Apple Vision Pro AR or VR? Technically, the Apple Vision Pro is a VR headset. However, Apple has integrated both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) features, allowing users to switch between immersive VR environments and AR overlays on their physical surroundings.


7. How long is the battery life on the Apple Vision Pro? The Apple Vision Pro is powered by an external rechargeable battery that provides up to 2 hours of general use or approximately 2.5 hours of video playback on a full charge. For users who require extended use, the device can also be connected directly to a power source, allowing for all-day operation without the need to manage battery life.
   
   The external battery is a critical component, and Apple has designed it for ease of use. When not in use, the Vision Pro continues to run in the background, syncing important data like emails and photos. Even when you're not wearing the device, the battery allows it to stay active, ensuring it’s ready whenever you are.
   
   If the Vision Pro isn't used for 24 hours, it will automatically shut itself off to conserve power. To quickly check if the device is still on when you’re not wearing it, simply pick it up. The power cable light will blink briefly if the device is still active. In case it has powered down, pressing and holding the top button for about 3 seconds will restart it, and a tone will sound after a minute to indicate the device is ready for use. The light on the power cable will then remain solid, confirming it's powered on and operational.
   
   The Vision Pro’s external battery pack is designed to deliver a flexible and manageable experience, allowing users to enjoy short sessions on battery power or seamlessly transition to all-day use when plugged in.


8. Can you use Apple Vision Pro if you wear glasses? The Vision Pro is not designed to be worn over regular glasses. However, Apple offers Zeiss Optical Inserts as an accessory for glasses wearers, costing between $99 and $149.


9. Is the Apple Vision Pro 4K? The Apple Vision Pro features two OLED displays with a total resolution of 23 million pixels, which translates to a high-definition viewing experience that is even more advanced than typical 4K displays.


10. Is Apple Vision Pro a Smart Glass? The Vision Pro is not a "smart glass" in the traditional sense. It is a full-fledged mixed-reality headset offering more complex functionalities and immersive experiences than typical smart glasses.


11. What is the difference between Apple Vision Pro and Google Glass? The Apple Vision Pro and Google Glass represent two very different approaches to augmented and mixed reality. The Apple Vision Pro is a high-end mixed-reality headset, offering immersive AR and VR experiences through cutting-edge features like ultra-high-resolution displays, spatial audio, and a sophisticated array of sensors. It can fully immerse users by blending or completely blocking out the real world, allowing for a rich, altered environment with AR/VR elements seamlessly integrated into the experience.
    
    Google Glass, by contrast, was a simpler, less immersive augmented reality device. Its primary function was to overlay basic information—like notifications or navigation instructions—onto the real world via a small, heads-up display. Rather than transforming the environment, Google Glass provided simple, lightweight AR elements like text or images that appeared in a small part of the user's field of view, designed for convenience rather than immersion.
    
    In short, Google Glass adds minimal digital elements to your real-world view, while Apple Vision Pro can entirely transform your surroundings, offering a far more immersive, interactive, and advanced experience.

Features and Usage

1. What can I do with Apple Vision Pro? Apple Vision Pro offers a wide array of capabilities, combining both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for a versatile mixed-reality experience:
   
   
   • Immersive Environments: Experience fully immersive AR/VR worlds, allowing you to interact with digital content in 3D space.
   • Spatial Video and Photos: Capture and relive moments in spatial video and photo formats, giving a more lifelike, 3D feel to your memories.
   • Productivity: Use Vision Pro as a high-resolution external monitor for your Mac, enhancing multitasking and productivity with multiple virtual screens.
   • Video Conferencing: Engage in lifelike video calls where your digital persona, or "persona," mimics your real-time expressions and gestures, making interactions feel more personal.
   • Entertainment: Watch movies, shows, or sports in stunning clarity with spatial audio, creating a cinema-like experience, or enjoy 3D content in AR.
   • App Interaction: Access and interact with popular apps like Messages, Safari, and Photos in AR, expanding your usual mobile or desktop app experience into your environment.
   • Gaming: Play immersive AR and VR games, interacting with virtual elements as if they’re in the room with you.
2. Is Apple Intelligence coming to Vision Pro? While Apple has not officially confirmed the integration of Apple Intelligence into the Vision Pro, recent reports suggest that the company is working to incorporate advanced AI features into the headset. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is actively developing ways to bring Apple Intelligence to VisionOS, which could enhance the Vision Pro's augmented reality (AR) interface. This has sparked speculation that future updates may significantly expand the headset’s AI capabilities, making it more intuitive and personalized.
   
   Additional speculation hints that these AI features might be introduced in a future version of visionOS, including new abilities like "spatializing" 2D photos into 3D, which could add a more immersive touch to user experiences. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly preparing new in-store demos, dubbed "Go Deeper," allowing users to test more office features, media playback, and view personal photos or videos in an AR environment.
   
   While this all remains unconfirmed, Apple’s continuous efforts to enhance the Vision Pro experience suggest that AI, including Apple Intelligence, could play a pivotal role in future software updates for the headset.


3. How to wear Vision Pro? The Vision Pro is designed to be worn on the head, similar to ski goggles. It has adjustable components for a snug fit and an external battery pack connected by a cable, which users need to manage.


4. Can you mirror Vision Pro to iPhone? Yes, with the Vision Pro, you can use View Mirroring to share your screen with devices like iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or compatible TVs. This lets others around you see what you're doing in the Vision Pro.
   
   Additionally, Vision Pro supports AirPlay Receiver, meaning you can mirror the screen of your iPhone or other devices directly to Vision Pro. Simply enable AirPlay on your device and select the Vision Pro from the list of compatible devices to begin mirroring.


5. Does Vision Pro replace iPad? The Vision Pro does not replace the iPad but offers a different kind of experience. It functions more as an immersive mixed-reality device rather than a direct replacement for tablet computing.


6. Does Apple Vision Pro have noise cancelling? No, Apple Vision Pro doesn’t include active noise cancelling. To block out external noise, such as during a flight, you'll need to pair it with AirPods or other noise-cancelling headphones. However, Vision Pro does feature personalized spatial audio, which adapts to your surroundings and delivers an immersive sound experience that may enhance focus in certain environments, though it won't eliminate background noise.


7. How big can you make a screen in Apple Vision Pro? Apple Vision Pro allows users to create massive virtual screens. In its “Cinema” environment, you can expand the display to be as large as a movie theater screen—or even larger. You can customize your viewing position, choosing to sit on different levels and sections, like front, middle, or back row. For standard apps like Safari, the screen size is comparable to a large home TV, but apps like Apple TV can offer immersive screens that are up to twice the size of a typical theater screen. You can also adjust window sizes in settings for even bigger views.


8. Does Apple Vision Pro have HDMI ports? The Apple Vision Pro does not feature HDMI ports. It connects to external devices through other means, such as wirelessly or via the connected Mac for screen mirroring.


9. Can you use Apple Vision Pro as a monitor? Yes, the Vision Pro can function as a 4K external monitor for a connected Mac, providing a large virtual display experience.


10. What are people using Apple Vision Pro for? Apple Vision Pro is being used for a wide range of activities, offering versatility across different applications:
    
    
    • Immersive video experiences: Watch movies and shows in an expansive virtual cinema, with screen sizes as large as a movie theater.
    • Spatial computing: Interact with apps in augmented reality, allowing you to arrange windows and tools in your physical space.
    • Virtual meetings: Host lifelike video conferences with digital personas that mimic real-world facial expressions and gestures.
    • Productivity: Use Vision Pro as a 4K virtual monitor for multitasking, document editing, or coding in an immersive workspace.
    • Gaming: Play AR/VR games in an enhanced, interactive environment.
    And more, as developers continue to create new apps and experiences for the Vision Pro.

Apps

1. Can you download movies on Vision Pro? Yes, you can download movies and shows directly onto Apple Vision Pro through the Apple TV app. Here's how:
   
   
   1. Download a show or movie: Browse in the Apple TV app, pinch and hold the item, then tap "Download."
   2. Access your downloads: Go to the Library in the sidebar and select "Downloaded" to view or play your saved content.
   Note: Download limits or restrictions may apply based on the channel or content provider.


2. Can I watch TV on Apple Vision Pro? Yes, you can watch TV shows on the Vision Pro through supported streaming apps like Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN, and others.


3. Can I watch 3D movies on Apple Vision Pro? Yes, you can watch 3D movies on Apple Vision Pro. The device supports:
   
   
   1. Apple Immersive Video: 180-degree 8K recordings with Spatial Audio, offering a highly immersive experience.
   2. 3D Movies: Available for purchase or rental in the Apple TV app.
   To access 3D content:
   
   
   1. Apple TV App: Open the app, tap Search or Home, and select "3D movies."
   2. Viewing: Choose a 3D movie to watch or purchase, and switch between 2D and 3D as desired. For offline viewing, you can also download Apple Immersive Video titles by pinching and holding the item and selecting Download.
   
   
4. Can I watch Netflix on Apple Vision Pro? Yes, you can watch Netflix, but you will need to do it through your web browser. As of the writing of this article, a Netflix app has not been developed for Apple Vision Pro.


5. Can you watch YouTube on Apple Vision Pro? Yes, you can watch YouTube on the Apple Vision Pro by using the device's web browser. Currently, there is no dedicated YouTube app available for Vision Pro.


6. Can you watch Prime Video on Apple Vision Pro? Yes, you can stream Amazon Prime Video on the Apple Vision Pro using the device's web browser. As of now, there is no dedicated Prime Video app for Vision Pro.


7. Can you watch Disney+ on Apple Vision Pro? Yes, Disney+ is available for streaming on the Apple Vision Pro through the App Store.


8. Can you watch Hulu on Apple Vision Pro? Although Hulu is owned by Disney, the experience to watch each streaming service is very different (Disney+ has a dedicated app on Vision Pro). Hulu does not yet have a standalone app for the device. Currently, you'll need to use the web browser to watch Hulu content.


9. Can you watch Apple TV+ on Apple Vision Pro? Yes, Apple TV+ is available on the Vision Pro, integrating seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem.


10. Can you watch HBO Max on Apple Vision Pro? Yes, HBO Max (now rebranded as Max) can be watched on the Vision Pro. They have released an official app available exclusively for the device.

Compatibility and Connectivity

1. Do you need a computer with Apple Vision Pro? While the Vision Pro can function independently, it can also be used as a 4K external monitor for a Mac. It does not strictly require a computer to operate.


2. Does Apple Vision Pro connect to your phone? The Vision Pro functions independently, eliminating the need to pair it with other devices. When you put it on, you'll interact with visionOS, Apple's new spatial operating system. This OS delivers a distinctive software experience that feels familiar, akin to iOS but presented in a three-dimensional space.


3. Does Apple Vision Pro need Wi-Fi? Yes, the Vision Pro requires a Wi-Fi connection to complete the initial setup process — as well as to access streaming services and other online features.


4. Can you wear AirPods with Vision Pro? Absolutely! Apple encourages using AirPods and Beats headphones with the Vision Pro to enhance your experience, especially for features like noise-cancelling, which isn't built into the device. While the Vision Pro includes its own spatial audio system, it is compatible with Bluetooth headphones, including AirPods.
   
   Note: Compatibility with third-party Bluetooth devices is not guaranteed, and for any issues, contact the device manufacturer.


5. What headphones are good with Apple Vision Pro? The Vision Pro has its own advanced audio system, but if you prefer using external headphones, high-quality Bluetooth headphones will work well. Specifically:
   
   
   • AirPods and Beats: All current models, including AirPods Pro (2nd generation), provide the best experience with Lossless Audio and ultra-low latency.
   • Bluetooth Headphones: Most high-quality Bluetooth headphones are compatible.
   Note: Compatibility with third-party Bluetooth devices is not guaranteed, and for any issues, contact the device manufacturer.


6. Can you take Apple Vision Pro on a plane? Yes, you can bring the Vision Pro on a plane. Apple’s marketing materials even feature the device being used in-flight, highlighting its portability as a key benefit. Just remember to manage the device’s size and battery pack, as they might need special handling during travel.


7. Can you wear Apple Vision Pro outside? While the Vision Pro is designed for indoor use, it can be worn outside if necessary. However, its large form factor and external battery might make it less practical for outdoor use.


8. Is it legal to wear Vision Pro while driving? Wearing the Vision Pro while driving would be unsafe and likely illegal due to potential distractions and impaired vision.


9. Does Apple Vision Pro have GPS? The Vision Pro does not have built-in GPS capabilities. Its primary function is related to AR/VR experiences and does not include navigation features.

Performance and Market

1. Will Apple Vision Pro be a hit? The Apple Vision Pro has generated considerable buzz with its cutting-edge features, including high-resolution displays, spatial audio, and a unique spatial computing experience. Its high price point, however, could be a barrier for widespread adoption. The success of the Vision Pro will hinge on several factors:
   
   
   • User Adoption: How quickly consumers embrace the new technology and integrate it into their daily lives.
   • Market Fit: Whether the Vision Pro effectively addresses user needs and delivers practical benefits that justify its cost.
   • Competitive Landscape: How well it performs against other emerging mixed-reality devices and whether it can carve out a significant niche in the market.
   Ultimately, the Vision Pro's impact will be measured by its ability to capture and retain a loyal user base and drive innovation in the spatial computing space.


2. Is the Apple Vision Pro selling well? The Apple Vision Pro initially saw strong sales with 200,000 units sold in the first 10 days. However, recent reports indicate a slowdown in US sales, prompting Apple to reduce production forecasts from 700,000 to 450,000 units. Despite this, the Vision Pro remains a high-profile product with significant media attention. Its long-term success will depend on overcoming current adoption challenges and expanding its appeal in both domestic and international markets.


3. Is Apple cancelling the Vision Pro? There is no evidence suggesting that Apple is canceling the Vision Pro. Although Apple is reportedly reevaluating its strategy for future AVP models, including the possibility of introducing a more affordable version alongside the high-end Vision Pro, the device remains active. The Vision Pro continues to receive support and updates, with new features announced at WWDC 2024.


4. Is Apple Vision Pro discontinued? No, the Vision Pro is not discontinued. Although it has faced slower sales than expected, and a production cutback, Apple continues to sell and support the device. The Vision Pro remains active, receiving regular updates and new features, including those introduced at WWDC 2024. Recently, visionOS 2.0, the second-generation operating system for the Vision Pro, was also released.


5. Is Apple Vision a flop? The Vision Pro has received mixed reviews, with praise for its innovation and criticism for its high price and comfort issues. Whether it is a "flop" will be determined by its long-term impact and user satisfaction.


6. Why did Vision Pro fail? The Vision Pro has not failed but has encountered several significant challenges:
   
   
   • High Cost: At $3,500, the Vision Pro is priced higher than many consumers are willing to pay, limiting its appeal to a broader audience.
   • Slow Initial Sales: The device saw slower-than-expected sales in the U.S., leading Apple to reduce production forecasts from a projected 700,000 units to between 400,000 and 450,000.
   • Limited Market Adoption: Despite its advanced features, the Vision Pro faces competition from other AR/VR devices and has yet to gain widespread mainstream acceptance.
   • Niche Use Cases: The device’s applications are still developing, and its long-term success will depend on expanding its use cases and achieving broader consumer interest.
   Apple continues to support and update the Vision Pro, with new features and the recent release of visionOS 2.0, indicating that the company remains committed to the device's future despite its current challenges.


7. Will Apple Vision Pro be cheaper in the future? The rumor mill is saying yes, but Apple has remained quiet. Analysts and industry insiders speculate that future iterations of the device could include a more affordable model alongside the high-end Vision Pro, which might make the technology more accessible. Factors that could influence a price reduction include advancements in technology, lower production costs, and the introduction of new models.

Miscellaneous

1. Can Apple Vision Pro play games? The Vision Pro supports gaming through its immersive AR/VR capabilities, though specific game titles and experiences are not detailed.


2. Will Apple Vision Pro get better? Future updates and iterations are anticipated to improve the Vision Pro, addressing current limitations and introducing new features. Apple has already demonstrated a commitment to evolving the device, as seen with the introduction of visionOS 2.0 and ongoing enhancements announced at WWDC 2024.


3. What can you do with Vision Pro in the future? The Vision Pro is expected to expand its capabilities with enhanced AR/VR experiences in the future, with more sophisticated spatial computing, and broader app integrations. Future updates may also include new applications and services that leverage the device’s immersive features.


4. Can you exercise with Apple Vision Pro? Yes, technically you could. While not specifically designed for fitness, the Vision Pro can be used for interactive exercise applications in VR. This includes virtual workout sessions and fitness games, leveraging its immersive environment to offer engaging exercise routines.


5. Can Apple Vision Pro replace an iMac? The Vision Pro can function as a high-resolution external display for a Mac, offering a unique mixed-reality workspace. However, it does not replace the iMac’s full computing capabilities or serve as a direct substitute for traditional desktop computing tasks.


6. Does Apple Vision Pro have a camera? Yes, the Vision Pro is equipped with a sophisticated array of cameras and sensors. These are used for environmental tracking, gesture recognition, and integrating virtual elements with the real world, enhancing user interaction and spatial awareness. Of course, you can also take photos and videos using the Vision Pro, just like you would with any other Apple device.


7. Can you use Vision Pro with an iPad? The Vision Pro can interact with content from an iPad, including Mirroring as mentioned earlier, providing an extended experience. However, it does not directly replace the iPad or serve as a connected device; rather, it offers an immersive way to engage with iPad content and applications.


8. Will Apple Vision Pro get updates? Yes, the Vision Pro will receive regular software updates to enhance functionality and add new features. Apple has committed to ongoing improvements, as evidenced by the recent release of visionOS 2.0 and updates announced at WWDC 2024.


9. How many people are working on Apple Vision Pro? While the exact number is not disclosed, the Vision Pro development involves a substantial team across various departments at Apple. This includes engineers, designers, and specialists dedicated to advancing the device and its ecosystem.


10. Will Vision Pro support third-party apps? Yes, the Vision Pro supports third-party apps through its VisionOS ecosystem. Developers can create and integrate new applications, expanding the range of experiences available on the device and enriching the user experience.

Recommended by the editors:

• visionOS 2 is Here: What's New and How to Upgrade

• Is the Apple Vision Pro Actually Selling Well? Or Is It a Failure?

• Apple Vision Pro: Is It Worth the $3,499 Price Tag? A Comprehensive Review

• visionOS 2: Apple Vision Pro Set to Get Major Upgrades and a Critical Security Fix

• Apple September Event: What to Expect and What Not to Expect

• More From Apple Scoop — America's Favorite Source For Apple News, Rumors & More