Apple has officially announced the release date of the Apple Vision Pro, its futuristic VR/AR headset, marking a new era for the Cupertino-based company and the world of spatial computing as a whole.

Set to officially launch on February 2, 2024, the Apple Vision Pro is priced at $3,499, as previously revealed during its unveiling event. Initially, it will be available only in the U.S., both in all Apple Stores across the country and through Apple's official online store. Pre-orders begin on January 19. Additionally, Apple will offer Zeiss presbyopia lenses for $99 and prescription lenses for $149.

The Apple Vision Pro features 256GB of storage and includes both the standard and top bands, the front cover, and the renowned Apple cleaning cloth, priced at $19. This mixed reality headset aims to familiarize both consumers and professionals with spatial computing – effectively a portable computer that exists virtually everywhere in one's own space. It offers augmented and virtual reality capabilities, seamlessly switching between AR and VR with a dial on the headset.

Apple CEO Tim Cook stated on Apple.com, "The era of spatial computing has arrived. The Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced consumer electronic device ever made. It’s revolutionary, and its magical menu and interface will redefine how we connect, create, and explore."

The Apple Vision Pro boasts 4K screens and a futuristic design with rounded glass housing cameras and sensors to record user movements and translate them into commands. Apple has meticulously designed it for comfortable use, featuring various textures and materials and a special strap that fits all head sizes. For audio, it incorporates special headphones with Spatial Audio support and can adjust the sound according to the room size.

A key goal for Apple with the Vision Pro was to avoid isolating the user from the outside world. This was achieved with the "Eyesight" system, which can make the screen transparent, showing your eyes to others. It automatically clears your vision when someone approaches to talk to you. The device can project a 2D video or movie in 3D within your space. The Vision Pro can create a virtual cinema in your living room, darkening everything around, especially in a bright room.

Regarding specs, it houses an M2 processor and a new R1 chip specialized in spatial computing calculations, requiring two Apple processors to produce this impressive result. The first portable spatial computer from Apple can last only 2 hours on its external battery for entirely portable use, while it lasts all day when plugged in.

The Vision OS is Apple's new mixed reality operating system on which the Vision Pro runs. It's designed to deliver this "magical" experience, as Apple describes it, to the user's eyes.

The device locks and unlocks using Optic ID, Apple's iris-scanning equivalent to Face ID, ensuring secure access to the Vision Pro.