Apple, long a pioneer in consumer electronics, unveiled its latest innovation in February—the Apple Vision Pro.

Sparking discussions about its potential to redefine the future of computing, this cutting-edge device promises to revolutionize our interactions with technology. It will leverage the concept of spatial computing to create immersive experiences like never before, and usher in a new era of wearable devices that will fundamentally change the way we interact with the digital world.

Understanding the Apple Vision Pro

The Apple Vision Pro represents a paradigm shift in computing, merging the physical and digital worlds through advanced augmented reality (AR) technology.

Apple’s first major new gadget since the debut of the Apple Watch in April 2015, the Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,500 US and looks “like a fancy pair of glowing ski goggles.”¹

Unlike traditional computing devices, however, as a wearable headset the Vision Pro overlays digital information onto the user’s real-world environment, providing a seamless and immersive computing experience.

Equipped with powerful processors, high-resolution displays, and an array of sensors (including LiDAR, cameras, and microphones), the Vision Pro can render lifelike virtual objects and environments in real time onto the user’s heads-up display. Users can interact with these digital elements using gestures, voice commands, and spatial tracking, blurring the lines between reality and virtuality. The headset is also capable of tracking movement and recognizing objects in the real world, including people.²

Embracing Spatial Computing

It is the ability for users to interact with these digital elements that is at the heart of the Apple Vision Pro: the concept of spatial computing.

Spatial computing enables devices to interpret and interact with the three-dimensional physical world around them. Spatial computing combines sensors, cameras, and algorithms to map and analyze the user’s surroundings, allowing for the precise placement of digital content within the physical environment on the user’s heads-up display. For example, a digital vase can be ‘placed’ accurately on a real-world table and ‘picked up’ again and set down on a nearby shelf.³

With the Vision Pro, users can navigate and manipulate virtual objects with natural gestures, enhancing the sense of immersion and interactivity. Whether it’s exploring virtual landscapes, collaborating with remote colleagues, or playing immersive games, spatial computing opens up a world of possibilities for how we interact with technology.

Transforming Interactions with Technology

The Apple Vision Pro is poised to revolutionize our interactions with computers, phones, TVs, and other digital devices. By seamlessly integrating digital content into our physical environment, the Vision Pro redefines the way we consume information, communicate with others, and engage with entertainment media.

Imagine attending a virtual meeting where participants from around the world appear as lifelike avatars in your living room or browsing the web by simply gesturing in the air. With the Vision Pro, traditional interfaces such as keyboards and touchscreens are replaced by intuitive gestures and voice commands, making computing more intuitive and accessible to all.⁴

Furthermore, the Vision Pro has the potential to transform a wide range of industries, including gaming, accounting, education, and beyond. Vision Pro is already being used to great effect in the medical field, for example.

The Cromwell Hospital in London recently used the Apple Vision Pro headset during two spinal surgeries, when a scrub nurse used it to select tools and monitor the progress of the surgeries through virtual screens within the operating room.⁵

Apple sees medical applications as a major market for the Vision Pro. Blending digital and physical worlds opens new possibilities for app developers and could lead to innovative applications in healthcare and wellness that were not possible before.

There are already a number of medical apps available for the Vision Pro. Stryker’s myMako app allows for immersive surgical planning and education, 3D modeling of hip and knee replacements, and can enhance surgeons’ ability to prepare for and execute procedures. CyranoHealth by Boston Children’s Hospital offers immersive training for healthcare professionals, improving confidence and reducing anxiety with new medical equipment. And Siemens Healthineers’ Cinematic Reality app and Epic Systems’ Epic Spatial Computing Concept showcase how immersive technology can enhance collaboration and productivity in healthcare, from interactive holograms of the human body to intuitive electronic health record management.⁶

These developments hint at a future where technology further bridges the gap between healthcare professionals and patients, offering more intuitive, efficient, and immersive ways to improve health outcomes and education.

A Glimpse into Future Apple Wearables

So, with this new frontier of spatial computing open, what’s next for Apple?

Reports suggest that Apple aims first at a price cut to the Vision Pro, from $3,500 down to as low as $1,500, to help boost widespread adoption. After that, Apple is said to be eyeing an “entry-level version” of the Apple Vision Pro that would debut in 2025 or 2026.⁷

Beyond the Vision Pro, Apple is laying the groundwork for a future ecosystem of wearables that seamlessly integrate into our daily lives. The Vision Pro serves as a stepping stone towards more advanced devices, including AI-powered smart glasses and AirPods with integrated cameras.

Imagine a pair of smart glasses that provide real-time information about your surroundings, overlaying directions, reviews, and recommendations as you navigate the world. Or AirPods equipped with cameras that can capture and stream immersive first-person perspectives, revolutionizing the way we document and share experiences.⁸

The Apple Vision Pro raises intriguing questions about the future of computing and human-computer interaction. By leveraging spatial computing and immersive technology, the Vision Pro promises to transform how we perceive and interact with the digital world. With further advancements on the horizon, including AI-powered wearables, Apple is positioning itself at the forefront of the next computing revolution.

Investing in FANGMA: The TECH ETF

For investors, it would be difficult to talk about today’s stock market without dealing in some way with one or more of the FANGMA tech giants. Odds are you use one (or more) of the advanced technologies or popular consumer services these six companies are responsible for—as do billions of other people each day. But high share prices may deter investors from adding all of these companies individually to a portfolio.

With the Evolve FANGMA Index ETF (TECH ETF), investors gain exposure to all six companies – Facebook (Meta), Amazon, Netflix, Google, Microsoft and Apple – for a reasonable unit price.

For more information about the Evolve FANGMA Index ETF (TECH ETF) or any of Evolve ETF’s lineup of exchange-traded funds, please visit our website or contact us.

 

Sources

1. Haselton, T,. “Apple Vision Pro review: This is the future of computing and entertainment,” CNBC, January 20, 2024; https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/30/apple-vision-pro-review-the-future-of-computing-and-entertainment.html
2. Nicola, “Apple Vision Pro: A Glimpse into the Future of Computing,” DuckMa, February 14, 2024; https://duckma.com/apple-vision-pro-a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-computing/
3. Gillis, A.S. & Lawton, G., “Spatial computing,” TechTarget, n.d.; https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/definition/spatial-computing
4. Haselton, T,. “Apple Vision Pro review: This is the future of computing and entertainment,” CNBC, January 20, 2024; https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/30/apple-vision-pro-review-the-future-of-computing-and-entertainment.html
5. Germain, T., “Doctors Are Using the Apple Vision Pro During Surgery,” Gizmodo, March 12, 2024; https://gizmodo.com/doctors-are-using-the-apple-vision-pro-during-surgery-1851329884
6. “Apple Vision Pro unlocks new opportunities for health app developers,” Apple Newsroom, March 11, 2024; https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/03/apple-vision-pro-unlocks-new-opportunities-for-health-app-developers/
7. Stanley, A., “Apple reportedly ‘accelerating’ entry-level Vision Pro — and it could cost $2,000 less,” Tom’s Guide, February 25, 2024; https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/vr-ar/apple-reportedly-accelerating-entry-level-vision-pro-and-it-could-cost-dollar2000-less
8. Davis, W., “Apple’s wearable ideas include smart glasses and cameras in your ears,” The Verge, February 25, 2024; https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/25/24082760/apple-smart-glasses-airpods-cameras-smart-ring

Header Image Source: Getty Images

The contents of this blog are not to be used or construed as investment advice or as an endorsement or recommendation of any entity or security discussed. These contents are not an offer or solicitation of an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instrument, nor shall it be deemed to provide investment, tax or accounting advice. The information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only.

Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with exchange traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds (funds). Please read the prospectus before investing. ETFs and mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. There are risks involved with investing in ETFs and mutual funds. Please read the prospectus for a complete description of risks relevant to ETFs and mutual funds. Investors may incur customary brokerage commissions in buying or selling ETF and mutual fund units.

Certain statements contained in this blog may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to a future outlook and anticipated distributions, events or results and may include statements regarding future financial performance. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend” or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Evolve Funds undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law.