Apple’s much-hyped Vision Pro headset is about to land in the United Arab Emirates, with pre-orders opening at 5 a.m. on Monday, November 4, and in-store availability starting Friday, November 15.
Priced at AED 13,999, the Vision Pro marks Apple’s first leap into the world of spatial computing, merging augmented and virtual reality for a revolutionary user experience.
After its initial US launch in February 2023, the Vision Pro has stirred up excitement, and for good reason. Its stunning visual quality, paired with intuitive eye, hand, and voice controls, places it leagues ahead of previous AR/VR devices. Here’s what UAE residents can look forward to.
A New Kind of Digital Experience with visionOS
The Vision Pro is powered by visionOS, an operating system designed to integrate seamlessly with Apple’s other products, like the iPhone and Mac, delivering an interconnected experience. visionOS allows users to interact with apps simply by looking at them, tapping their fingers together, or using voice commands. Siri support adds to the ease, letting users open apps, play media, and answer questions without lifting a finger.
It has the ability to display multiple apps side-by-side in what Apple calls an “infinite canvas” brings a fresh approach to multitasking. And with Mac Virtual Display, the headset becomes a personal, portable monitor — ideal for professionals on the go.
Immersive Media and Gaming
Apple Vision Pro isn’t just for productivity — it’s built for fun, too. With more than 2,500 custom-built apps, including thousands of popular iPhone and iPad apps, Vision Pro offers something for everyone. The App Store even boasts immersive experiences, such as Encounter Dinosaurs and Submerged, Apple’s first scripted film in Apple Immersive Video.
For movie lovers, Vision Pro offers a private cinema experience, supporting streaming platforms like Apple TV+, OSN+, STARZ ON, and Shahid. Sports fans aren’t left out either; with apps from the NBA, MLS, and PGA TOUR, users can catch the action with real-time stats and multiview capabilities for watching up to five games at once.
Boost for Creative Minds
Vision Pro is also making waves in the creative industry. Its spatial design capabilities let users sketch and design by merely moving their eyes and hands. Apps like djay enable music creation, while Beautiful Things lets users visualize home designs in 3D. The device is already gaining traction among professionals, with more than half of the Fortune 100 companies exploring Vision Pro’s potential in design, training, and healthcare.
What Critics Are Saying
While Vision Pro has made a strong debut, there are a few drawbacks. Users have noted its size, tethered battery, and occasional tracking hiccups. At $3,499 (around AED 13,999), it’s also not cheap. However, Vision Pro’s ultra-high-resolution display and the realism of its augmented environments have been widely praised. Apple has also hinted at a more affordable version expected by 2025, potentially widening the appeal.