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Apple has launched a legal challenge against the 1.8 billion euro ($1.95 billion) fine assessed by the European Commission for breaking competition laws and unfairly favoring its own music streaming service over rivals including Spotify.
According to court records, the U.S. tech giant filed an appeal with the EU’s Luxembourg-based General Court earlier this month.
Details of what is contained in the legal action, listed as: “Apple and Apple Distribution International v Commission,” are not yet publicly available. Representatives of Apple and the European Commission did not respond to requests to comment.
Apple had previously said it would appeal the EU’s fine, which was handed down in March following a long-running investigation triggered by complaints from Swedish streaming service Spotify.
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At the time of the ruling, the European Commission’s Margrethe Vestager said Apple had “abused its dominant position” for almost a decade by restricting rival music streaming apps from informing consumers about alternative, cheaper music services available outside of the App Store.
As a result, many users paid “significantly higher prices for music streaming subscriptions” because of the high fee imposed by Apple on developers, which was then passed on to users, the commission said.
Apple has always strongly denied those claims, arguing that EU investigators had failed “to uncover any credible evidence of consumer harm.” The commission’s decision “ignores the realities of a market that is thriving, competitive, and growing fast,” the tech company said in a statement two months ago.
The nearly $2 billion fine was issued as part of an ongoing EU-wide effort to rein in the global dominance of big tech companies through large financial penalties and regulatory measures.
In March, just a few days after Apple received its penalty notice, new EU rules came into force governing how the largest online platforms operate in Europe as part of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The DMA requires the six tech giants designated as “gatekeepers” by the European Commission — Apple, Google parent company Alphabet, Amazon, TikTok-owner ByteDance, Meta and Microsoft — to comply with a raft of provisions, including not favoring in-house services at the expense of third-party providers.
The laws are enforceable by fines of up to 20% of total worldwide turnover (a.k.a. gross revenue) or, in extreme cases, the “last resort option” of forced divestments and the break-up of businesses.
In response, companies like Apple have been overhauling how they operate in the 27-member EU bloc, allowing European users to download rival app stores and lowering the fees charged to developers for purchases made through the App Store.
However, Apple’s plans to charge “high volume” services with over 1 million users a €0.50 ($0.54) “core technology fee” per download, per year, for using alternatives to the App Store has been heavily criticized by a number of European businesses, including Spotify and Deezer.
On March 25, the EU announced that it was investigating Apple, along with Meta and Alphabet, for potential breaches and non-compliance with the DMA’s terms.
Apple’s legal challenge against the commission’s $1.95 billion fine opens yet another battlefront with EU regulators. The tech company has previously had some success in the General Court — the European Union‘s second-highest court, which hears cases brought by companies against the commission.
In 2020, EU judges overturned a previous ruling by the commission that Apple had underpaid 13 billion euros in taxes to the Irish government. That case subsequently went to the European Court of Justice and is still slowly making its way through the legal process.
Apple’s latest court fight could be just as longwinded and take several years before any ruling is made by the General Court, which would also be open to appeal.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Going to the gym is no longer the only option if you want to workout — there are a ton of great online workout subscription programs that’ll help you put your at-home fitness equipment to good use. Instead of waiting for Peloton sales or splurging on private trainers, virtual fitness apps like Apple Fitness+ are bringing the gym straight to you for a more affordable price, with a library full of classes taught by professional instructors, among other benefits.
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The price for Apple Fitness+ is normally $9.99 a month or $79.99 a year, but with current promos and offers going on, you can score up to four months of Apple Fitness+ for free. With a membership to the app you’ll get complete access to yoga, HIIT and meditation classes as well as curated workout programs and playlists. Share Apple Fitness+ with up to five family members too.
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Keep reading to learn more about the best Apple Fitness+ deals going on now.
How to Get Apple Fitness+ for Free
To help you score the fitness app for free, ShopBillboard rounded up the best Apple Fitness+ offers available that’ll help you get as much as four months of the service for free.
New Subscriber Offer
Already own an Apple device? If you haven’t used Apple Fitness+ before, then new users are eligible for one month of the service for free — no promo code needed. All you have to do is open up the app on your device and sign up, then you’ll automatically receive the free trial. Once your one month trial is over, you’ll be charged $9.99 a month or $79.99 a year.
Apple Device Offer
Purchasing a new Apple device including an iPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch or iPad will earn you three months of Apple Fitness+ for free. You’ll need to purchase a new device on the Apple store in order to score the deal, but once you checkout you’ll automatically be able to redeem the three-month free trial. After the three months are up, you’ll be charged the regular monthly or annual subscription price.
Best Buy Apple Fitness+ Offers
Best Buy has a couple of Apple Fitness+ deals that you can take advantage of if you’re an Apple Watch user. For those who already own an Apple Watch, you can score two months of Apple Fitness+ free when you add the offer to your cart. After the two free months are up, you’ll be charged based on the membership you choose.
Don’t have an Apple Watch? Best Buy is giving four months of Apple Fitness+ for free when you purchase any Apple Watch online. When you buy one of the devices you’ll be emailed a promo code that you can use to score the deal. After your free trial is up, you’ll be charged for a monthly or annual membership.
What Is Apple Fitness+?
Apple Fitness+ is Apple’s version of a virtual gym providing you with professional led classes including pilates, cycling, kickboxing depending on your health goals. A custom fitness plan can be curated for you just by inputting what days of the week, duration and music type you want. Besides offering workout classes, the app goes in-depth with a collection of videos filled with trainer tips to help motivate you with advice and how-to demos.
The vast library also comes with pre-built programs that are curated based on your health and wellness goals including “Workouts for Beginners,” “Yoga for Every Runner,” “Meditations for When You Feel Stress or Anxiety” and more. You can check out the app’s “Collections” section for more curated workouts, including one that’ll help prep you to run your first 5K, along with 90s-themed dance classes.
And, if you don’t want to listen to silence during your morning walks or daily runs, then there are playlists filled with audio stories, music playlists and more. Have an artist you love? Make sure to check out the dedicated playlists to legends like Madonna, Bad Bunny and even Elton John.
The app can be used with any Apple device including an iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Apple TV and Apple Watch. It also works with AirPlay compatible smart TVs, so you can mirror the workouts from your iOS device right onto your TV screen.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Apple Music deals, Spotify deals and AirPod deals.
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Source: Apple / Beats / Beats Solo 4 & Solo Buds
It’s a new year, meaning new Apple/Beats products. To help roll them out, the company enlisted the help of top female athletes Angel Reese, Naomi Osaka, and Sha’Carri Richardson.
The Apple-owned company unveiled the latest model in its long line of over-ear wireless headphones, the Solo 4. At launch, the Solo 4 headphones will cost $199 and promise up to 50 hours of battery life.
The Solo 4’s exceptional battery life can be attributed to the lack of active noise cancellation, a must-have feature now more than ever. It’s a bummer the Solo 4 headphones do have it, but Beats promises the other features make up for the lack of noise cancellation.
Those features include wired audio and passive tuning, allowing the Solo 4s to continue to work when the battery is dead and plugged in without sacrificing sound quality.
The Solo 4 also features custom acoustic architecture and supports native software on both Android and iOS devices.
Beats Also Announces The New Solo Buds
Source: Apple / Beats / Beats Solo 4 & Solo Buds
Beats also announced a new entry-level wireless earbuds model, the Solo Buds, which cost $79.99. While they might not be a premium offering, Beats still promises the Solo Buds will offer users “big Beats sound in the smallest case we’ve ever made.”
Also, for a $79.99 price point, you’re not getting ANC (active noise cancellation) or a charging case, but Beats boasts the Solo Buds will offer 18 hours of use on a single charge; after that, you have to plug up via USB-C.
The Solo 4 headphones are now available for pre-order and launch on May 2 in Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink.
The Solo Buds will arrive sometime in June, along with Matte Black, Storm Gray, Arctic Purple, and Transparent Red color options.
You can see more photos of both accessories in the gallery below.
1. Beats Solo 4 & Solo Buds
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A group of companies representing Spotify, Deezer, Epic Games and others, applauded the U.S. Department of Justice’s antitrust lawsuit filed against Apple on Thursday (March 21), calling it a “strong stand against Apple’s stranglehold” on mobile apps.
“[Apple] stifles competition and hurts American consumers and developers alike,” Rick VanMeter, executive director for The Coalition for App Fairness (CAF), said in a statement. “As this case unfolds in the coming years more must be done now to end the anticompetitive practices of all mobile app gatekeepers.”
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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In its sweeping lawsuit filed in New Jersey federal court on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department alleged that Apple violated antitrust laws by undermining apps and products that could compete with Apple or that could make customers less reliant on its iPhone systems, such as its digital wallet.
The U.S. case follows similar legal actions brought against Apple in the European Union, the United Kingdom and Asia, and it addresses some of the Apple policies that Spotify founder/CEO Daniel Ek has railed against for years.
“There’s global consensus that Apple’s abuses of its monopoly power have stifled innovation and threaten the digital economy,” Avery Gardiner, a lawyer and competition policy advocate for Spotify, wrote on X. “The DOJ case makes it clear that Apple harms the developers and creators who are hard at work to build the very best products and services for consumers.”
Both CAF and Gardiner acknowledged the DOJ’s case will take time to have any impact, and they urged Congress to pass The Open App Markets Act, a bill Ek has lobbied for since it was introduced in August 2021.
The Open App Markets Act would bar Apple, Google and other app stores with more than 50 million users from forcing app developers to use their payment systems as a condition of distribution. It would also block app store owners from punishing app developers if they extend deals to customers or offer their app for lower prices elsewhere.
Ek has argued that Apple and others act as anti-competitive gatekeepers because the terms required for inclusion in their app stores prevent Spotify and others from telling consumers about potentially cheaper bundle options, like Spotify’s duo and family plans. Currently, Spotify has to send customers to its website to sign up for those plans.
The Justice Department’s case also seeks for Apple to loosen restrictions on its messaging tools and to add features to the Apple wallet. Gardiner and CAF praised the case for what they described as an attempt to level the playing field.
“Competition is the foundation of innovation, and [this case] represents the latest step in the fight for a fair and competitive internet,” Gardiner wrote.
If the DOJ’s lawsuit is successful, it could force the Tim Cook-run company to make significant changes to its highly successful business model.
In a press conference announcing the lawsuit, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said, “As set out in our complaint, Apple has that power in the smartphone market. If left unchallenged. Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly.”
Per The Verge, the DOJ’s lawsuit accuses Apple of:
Disrupting “super apps” that encompass many different programs and could degrade “iOS stickiness” by making it easier for iPhone users to switch to competing devices
Blocking cloud-streaming apps for things like video games that would lower the need for more expensive hardware
Suppressing the quality of messaging between the iPhone and competing platforms like Android
Limiting the functionality of third-party smartwatches with its iPhones and making it harder for Apple Watch users to switch from the iPhone due to compatibility issues
Blocking third-party developers from creating competing digital wallets with tap-to-pay functionality for the iPhone
In a statement to CNBC, Apple did not agree with the lawsuit and said it would fight it.
A spokesperson for the tech giant told CNBC, “This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets. If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple—where hardware, software, and services intersect. It would also set a dangerous precedent, empowering government to take a heavy hand in designing people’s technology.”
Android users have been eating this all up because of the claims they have accused Apple of for years.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
If bosses at the world’s biggest technology companies were still in any way doubting the European Union’s commitment towards regulating the digital marketplace, the 1.8 billion euro ($1.95 billion) fine levied against Apple on Monday (March 4) by the European Commission for breaking competition laws over music streaming served as a powerful statement of intent.
This week, more new EU rules come into force governing how the largest online platforms operate in Europe, now that the deadline for complying with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) has passed.
Beginning today (March 7), the six tech giants designated “gatekeepers” by the European Commission — Apple, Google parent company Alphabet, Amazon, TikTok-owner ByteDance, Meta and Microsoft – are required to comply with a raft of legislative changes designed to rein in their global dominance.
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They include outlawing companies favoring in-house services at the expense of third-party providers and forcing platforms to offer other businesses, such as apps, access to the data they generate – allowing smaller services to contact their customers directly and making it easier for users to switch services.
The laws are enforceable by fines of up to 20% of total worldwide turnover (aka, gross revenue) for repeat infringers, or, in extreme cases the “last resort option” of forced divestments and the break-up of businesses.
THIS IS FINE
The changes are already having a significant impact on digital music services and, in turn, the global record business.
In January, Apple announced that it will begin allowing European users to download app stores other than the company-operated one that comes installed on iPhones. It will additionally lower the fees it charges developers for purchases made through the App Store, reducing commission from the existing 15% to 30% level to between 10% and 17% for developers using the company’s payment-processing system.
However, Apple’s plans to charge “high volume” services with over one million users a €0.50 ($0.54) “Core Technology Fee” per download, per year, for using alternatives to the App Store has been heavily criticized by a number of European businesses, including Spotify and Deezer.
“Apple’s new terms not only disregard both the spirit and letter of the law, but if left unchanged, make a mockery of the DMA,” said the streaming services in an open letter to the European Commission, sent last week and also signed by 32 other European digital companies and associations, including trade body Digital Music Europe.
The new fee structure, which only apply in the 27 EU member states, will deter app developers from opting into the revised terms “and will hamper fair competition,” say Spotify and Deezer, calling on regulators to take “swift, timely and decisive action against Apple.” (In January, Spotify stated in a company blog post that the new fees “equates for us to being the same or worse as under the old rules.”)
Similar anti-competition concerns were behind the European Commission’s decision to fine Apple 1.8 billion euros at the start of March, following longstanding complaints from Spotify over Apple’s restrictions to outside developers and the 30% fee it charges them on all purchases made through iOS apps. (Apple has said it will appeal the fine, which was issued under existing EU terms, rather the Digital Markets Act).
Defending its response to the new EU provisions, Apple estimates that less than 1% of developers will pay the Core Technology Fee and warned that the DMA brings greater risks to users and developers by compromising its ability to detect malware, fraud and illicit content in external apps.
NOT JUST APPLE
Other so-called gatekeepers – defined by policy makers as a platform with an annual turnover of more than 7.5 billion euros ($8.1 billion) and more than 45 million active monthly users in the EU region — are also making sweeping changes as a result of the DMA.
Aside from Apple, music executives will be paying most attention to how ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok responds to the law’s provisions. In November, the company launched an appeal against the EU’s classification of TikTok as a “gatekeeper” arguing that the platform is a “challenger, not an incumbent, in the digital advertising market” and that the new rules could hamper its ability to “remain competitive and grow.”
Despite the ongoing legal challenge, TikTok has already taken a number of steps to comply with the terms of the DMA, including the launch of enhanced data portability tools that allow developers to download and export data profiles, followers and posts from TikTok to other services with users’ permission. These changes are being introduced now to European users, TikTok announced in a blog post on March 4, “with plans to roll out globally in the near future.”
In January, Google and YouTube parent company Alphabet announced that it will allow users to pick their default browser and provide more links to competing sites when searching Google – although, like Apple, Alphabet’s compliance with the DMA has been questioned.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter) this month, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized the tech giant for imposing a commission fee of up to 27% for any app purchases made not using Google’s payment services. (Google/Alphabet has previously been issued three major fines totaling 8.2 billion euros by the EU over antitrust issues).
Meanwhile, Meta is allowing users to separate their Facebook and Instagram accounts to prevent personal information being shared for targeted ads. Amazon is modifying its Amazon Ads service to provide stronger data protections for customers, and Microsoft is implementing changes to its Windows operating system.
The terms of the Digital Markets Act only apply to companies and services operating in the 27-member state EU block, but their impact extends far afield. Following the EU’s lead, similar regulations to rein in tech companies’ dominance are being drawn up in several other nations, including Japan, South Korea, India, Brazil, Australia and the United Kingdom.
What meaningful impact the DMA or comparable international legislation will actually have on curbing Big Tech — and the music companies that either drive or rely upon them to reach audiences — could take years to be felt, if at all, but EU regulators say they are not shying away from the challenge.
“We are looking very carefully at how companies are complying [with the DMA]” the European Commission recently said in a statement, “and once we have full enforcement powers will not hesitate to act.”
The European Union leveled its first antitrust penalty against Apple on Tuesday, fining the U.S. tech giant nearly $2 billion for breaking the bloc’s competition laws by unfairly favoring its own music streaming service over rivals.
Apple banned app developers from “fully informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services outside of the app,” said the European Commission, the 27-nation bloc’s executive arm and top antitrust enforcer.
That is illegal under EU antitrust rules. Apple behaved this way for almost a decade, which meant many users paid “significantly higher prices for music streaming subscriptions,” the commission said.
The 1.8 billion-euro fine follows a long-running investigation triggered by a complaint from Swedish streaming service Spotify five years ago.
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The EU has led global efforts to crack down on Big Tech companies, including a series of multbillion-dollar fines for Google and charging Meta with distorting the online classified ad market. The commission also has opened a separate antitrust investigation into Apple’s mobile payments service.
The commission’s investigation initially centered on two concerns. One was the iPhone maker’s practice of forcing app developers that are selling digital content to use its in-house payment system, which charges a 30% commission on all subscriptions.
But the EU later dropped that to focus on how Apple prevents app makers from telling their users about cheaper ways to pay for subscriptions that don’t involve going through an app.
The investigation found that Apple banned streaming services from telling users about how much subscription offers cost outside of their apps, including links in their apps to pay for alternative subscriptions or even emailing users to tell them about different pricing options.
The fine comes the same week that new EU rules are set to kick in that are aimed at preventing tech companies from dominating digital markets.
The Digital Markets Act, due to take effect Thursday, imposes a set of do’s and don’ts on “gatekeeper” companies including Apple, Meta, Google parent Alphabet, and TikTok parent ByteDance — under threat of hefty fines.
The DMA’s provisions are designed to prevent tech giants from the sort of behavior that’s at the heart of the Apple investigation. Apple has already revealed how it will comply, including allowing iPhone users in Europe to use app stores other than its own and enabling developers to offer alternative payment systems.
The commission also has opened a separate antitrust investigation into Apple’s mobile payments service, and the company has promised to open up its tap-and-go mobile payment system to rivals in order to resolve it.
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Source: Apple / apple
The sports app game has a new competitor as Apple has announced the launch of their Apple Sports app for iPhone users.
As millions have gotten accustomed to keeping up with the latest happenings in sports on their smartphones and other devices, Apple is now giving them another option with a brand-new application. On Wednesday (Feb. 21), the global technology brand announced the launch of Apple Sports, a new application for the iPhone. Apple Sports is now available for users in the United States and the United Kingdom as well as Canada. There is no expected date for a global release yet.
“We created Apple Sports to give sports fans what they want — an app that delivers incredibly fast access to scores and stats,” said Eddy Cue, the senior vice president of services for Apple. The app, which is free to download and install, gives users real-time access to game scores, team stats, betting odds and more data. The NBA, NHL, NCAA basketball, and the Premier League are supported within the app, as well as Major League Soccer, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Liga MX, Ligue 1 and Serie A. According to the press release, there will be support for the NFL, WNBA, Major League Baseball, the NWSL and NCAA college football for their upcoming seasons.
Apple Sports users will be able to have their team interests synced with their Apple ID and other apps to help personalize their Apple TV and Apple News experiences. This option can also be turned off. Users can also customize the scoreboards found in the app, get lineup details for teams, and switch to other information for games and other streaming services to check out their teams there. Concerning the betting odds, which are supplied by DraftKings, a representative for Apple said that the app doesn’t support live betting, however, and so there is no revenue-share agreement in place between the two companies.
The news comes as Major League Soccer is beginning another season. Through Apple TV, they offer a season pass at $14.99 per month and $99 for the whole season. They also began to show MLB games in a “Friday Night Baseball” package back in 2022, which was the core of its 10-year broadcasting deal with the league. The move is also sure to boost Apple’s Services division revenue, which came in at $22.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
With the rise of VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3, PlayStation VR2 Headset and Valve Index, Apple decided to throw its hat into the VR ring with their very own headset. Enter the Apple Vision Pro, a new mixed-reality headset that’s positioned as the “ultimate entertainment experience.”
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Starting at $3,499, the Apple Vision Pro is available for pre-order on Jan. 19 starting at 5 a.m. PT/8 a.m. ET at apple.com, Amazon and Walmart with release on Feb. 2.
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Available on Feb. 2
Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro is designed to pair the virtual world with the physical world through spatial computing and digital content via the tech company’s newest operating system Apple visionOS.
Here’s how it works: Just place the headset over your head on let it rest on your eyes to begin interacting with Apple’s mixed reality format. Instead of using controllers or a stylus, you interact with apps — like Safari, FaceTime, iMessages, iCloud and others — as well as digital content — from Apple Music, Apple TV, Disney+ and more — with your eyes, hands and voice.
If you’re a Disney+ subscriber, you can watch movies — like Avatar: The Way of Water, Avengers: Endgame, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Encanto and many others — in 3D and Dolby Vision with experiences that’s specifically designed for the Apple Vision Pro.
If you’re not a subscriber, you can sign up for Disney+ with prices starting at $9.99 for the ad-supported plan. With a subscription, you can have access to hit original programing, such as The Mandalorian, Moon Knight, The Muppets Mayhem, American Born Chinese, Turning Red and more.
Available for pre-order on Jan. 19 at apple.com, Amazon and Walmart, the Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499 with release on Feb. 2. In the meantime, watch an introduction video from Apple, below.
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Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best gaming chairs, best over-ear headphones, wifi extenders, laptop deals and more.
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Source: Apple / Vision Pro
Apple is making headway in the video game, sneakingly dropping a video game console with its iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max phones. Now, the company that Jobs built is ready to jump into the VR world with its Apple Vision Pro headset this year.
Surprise, the Apple Vision Pro is dropping on February 2, which is much sooner than many people thought. Apple CEO Tim Cook announced on his X, formerly Twitter account, that the $3,500 headset is ready to launch.
Apple first revealed the headset during its Worldwide Developer Conference last June, and pre-orders for the ridiculously expensive device begin January 19 at 8 AM ET.
Along with the release date, Apple also shared the price of the Zeiss prescription lenses users can get with them. Readers will start at $99, while prescription lenses cost $149.
The base model, which will cost you an arm and leg, comes with 256GB of RAM and these other accessories:
Solo Knit Band and Dual Loop Band
A light seal and two light seal cushions
Apple Vision Pro cover
Polishing cloth
Battery
USB-C charging cable and USB-C power adapter
For $3,500, users will also get a 4K display for each eye, and a dedicated dial on the side of the headset will allow users to switch seamlessly from virtual to augmented reality.
A dual-chip setup comprised of Apple’s in-house M2 chip and the new R1 chip will power the Vision Pro, and thanks to some impressive eye, head, and hand tracking capabilities, users don’t need to use the controller to navigate the interface.
Can Apple Make Up Ground on Meta?
Apple is a bit late to the VR/AR game dominated by Meta, which is currently on its third headset, the Meta Quest 3, and it’s also a lot more affordable.
With the Vision Pro, Apple is pushing it to be used with apps like FaceTime, Photos, and Movies while allowing users to watch spatial videos recorded on the iPhone 15.
Apple also says users can access over 150 3D titles through the Apple TV app using the Vision Pro. This is all possible because Vision Pro runs visionOS, the company’s latest operating system.
So watching shows like Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on the Vision Pro will be one epic experience.
But is it worth $3,500? That’s the big question.
We know fans of the Apple brand are not scared to swipe their cards for the latest tech from the company, and we are intrigued to see if that continues to be the case with Vision Pro.
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Photo: Apple / Vision Pro