Apple Vision Pro gets upgraded OS, available in more countries

Apple Vision Pro will expand its user base by making the virtual reality headset available in nine more nations later this month, the tech giant revealed at its annual developers conference held Monday.

Apple announced dozens of new features that Apple users can be excited about at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) held June 10th at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California.

Even though the big news of the day focused on 'Apple Intelligence’ and ChatGPT integrations set to hit iPhone, iPad and Mac this fall, many Apple fans around the world have been waiting patiently to get their hands on the cutting edge Apple Vision Pro, which has also been upgraded in its own right.

Customers in mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore are now able to pre-order the Vision Pro for the first time starting June 13th at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Then about two weeks later on June 28th at 5:00 a.m. PT, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, will also get their chance to pre-order the augmented reality headset.

We're excited to bring Apple Vision Pro to more customers around the world so that they can experience the magic of spatial computing! https://t.co/lcjn5MmFjB

undefined Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 10, 2024

Apple announced during the WWDC24 event that availability for all nine countries begins Friday, July 12th.

“The enthusiasm for Apple Vision Pro has been extraordinary, and we are thrilled to introduce the magic of spatial computing to more customers around the world,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, who spoke to the crowds attending in Apple Park.

Cook said the wearable headset device will get a major upgrade this fall with 'visionOS 2' giving users “brand-new spatial experiences that defy imagination.”

The free software update will give users access to even more features to engage with spatial computing, Apple said, including transforming photos into 3D memories, more intuitive hand gestures, new capabilities for Mac Virtual Display, Travel Mode, and Guest User, and enhancements to Mindfulness, Safari, and the Apple TV app, to name just a few.

Designed with recycled materials and capable of running for two hours on a single charge, Apple says users can adjust the flexible headset for a personalized and precise fit, which ensures the device's audio remains close to the user’s ears.

“We can’t wait for more people to see the impossible become possible, whether working and collaborating with an infinite canvas for apps, reliving treasured memories in three dimensions, watching TV shows and movies in a one-of-a-kind personal cinema,” Cook said.

The popular headset, which Apple boasts “seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world,” was first introduced at last year's developer's conference to rave reviews.

Since then, there have been over 2,000 apps designed specifically for Vision Pro added to the Apple App store, and more than 1.5 million more companion apps that work on Apple devices.

A bevy of new business apps will also be available to boost productivity on Vision Pro later this year, such as for Box, Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft 365, including those that can be used with Bluetooth accessories like Magic Keyboard, Trackpad, and eventually Magic Mouse.

Vision Pro users will have more streaming app options and Apple TV+ subscribers will get access to more than 250 3D movies for free.

“Apps that support SharePlay and spatial Persona allow multiple users to watch together, as if they’re in the same physical space,” Apple said.

Sports fans can also take advantage of innovative features allowing them a “front row view” to watch games and follow athletes with “multiview, real-time player and game stats, live object mapping, and a physical scoreboard or a second screen right into view.”

Immersive and interactive experiences with films and series will continue to expand for users with a “storytelling format that leverages 3D 8K video with a 180-degree field of view.”

Gaming lovers will be excited about the new games and apps being launched by developers worldwide, including Nikkei in Japan, Douyin VR Live from China, Soul Spire in the United Kingdom; Canal+, Foxar, OQEE, and SeLoger in France; BILD, OTTO, and ZDF in Germany; Classix and Sportsnet in Canada; and Domain in Australia.

Apple also says that in the past year, half of the world's Fortune 100 companies have bought Apple Vision Pro to spark the development of innovative solutions for their organizations and customers.

The Vision Pro headset, still sporting a hefty $3,499 pricetag, is available with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities, and can be bought in person at Apple Stores, the Apple website, and through the Apple Store app.

The yearly conference, running June 10th -14th, 2024, is free for all developers to attend. This year, Apple hosted over 6,000 attendees from 77 countries, including 350 student developers and scholarship recipients.