Apple’s Vision Pro, the company’s first mixed-reality headset, made a big splash when it was introduced at WWDC 2023. This premium AR/VR device, priced at $3,499, is setting new standards in mixed-reality technology, blending both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in an innovative way. But Apple isn’t stopping there – the tech giant is already working on improving the device, particularly for gaming and productivity. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is teaming up with Sony to bring support for third-party hand controllers to the Vision Pro, enhancing its functionality.
Power On: Apple and Sony discuss partnership to bring PSVR2 hand-controller support to the Apple Vision Pro https://t.co/CDhvFwjkHu— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) December 8, 2024
Currently, the Vision Pro supports PlayStation 5 and Xbox controllers, but these controllers don’t offer the six degrees of freedom (6DOF) needed for the precise VR control that gamers want. With the addition of third-party controllers like Sony’s PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, the gaming experience on the Vision Pro will become much more immersive, allowing for more accurate movements in virtual environments. This partnership with Sony signals Apple’s growing interest in catering to the gaming community, providing better and more responsive controls for a truly interactive VR experience.
But the improvements don’t stop at gaming. The new controllers are also expected to boost the Vision Pro’s performance in productivity tasks and media editing. With software like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop, the enhanced controllers will bring more precision to tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and other creative work. This makes the Vision Pro not just a gaming device, but a versatile tool for both play and work.
In addition to third-party controller support, Apple is reportedly working on a “wand” for the Vision Pro, which would function similarly to the Apple Pencil. This wand would be ideal for precise tasks that don’t involve gaming, such as drawing, designing, or interacting with AR content. It’s another way Apple is making the Vision Pro more adaptable and user-friendly for a wide range of applications.
Apple and Sony originally aimed to announce this capability weeks ago, but the rollout has been postponed. My expectation is that an announcement will still come at some point — unless it gets abruptly scrapped.— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) December 8, 2024
Although these exciting updates are in the works, the partnership with Sony and the new controller support are not yet fully available. Apple and Sony had originally planned to roll out these features earlier, but the release has been delayed. When they do arrive, the controllers will likely be sold through Apple’s online stores and retail outlets, although the exact timeline is still unclear.
Additionally, there’s buzz about a more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset, expected to launch next year. Rumored to cost around $2,000, this cheaper model would likely have a less powerful processor and use more affordable materials, making mixed-reality technology more accessible to a broader audience.
With these ongoing developments, Apple is clearly committed to making the Vision Pro a leader in the mixed-reality space, catering to both entertainment and productivity needs. Whether it’s through enhanced gaming controls or new, more affordable models, the Vision Pro is shaping up to be a game-changer in the world of mixed reality.
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