Now that Apple Vision Pro preorders have gone live, we’re learning more about Apple‘s expensive mixed reality headset – including the ways in which it will interact with other Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
As per the Vision Pro tech specs page (via MacRumors), the device supports Apple’s AirPlay standard for wirelessly transmitting video and audio. In other words, you’ll be able to beam whatever’s happening inside the Vision Pro to the screen of an iPhone, iPad, Mac computer, or Apple TV – anything that also supports AirPlay.
It’s something we’ve seen in other headsets like the Meta Quest 3, the ability to mirror the display somewhere else, and it means if you’re doing a presentation in a meeting or just playing around with friends and family, everyone you’re with will be able to see whatever it is you’re looking at in mixed reality.
If you’re using a desktop Mac or a MacBook, then the connection can apparently go the other way too – so you can get whatever’s on the macOS screen to show up inside the Vision Pro, and use your computer that way.
Getting hold of a Vision Pro
There is one bit of information to take note of here, which is that mirrored video can only be shown at a resolution of 720p (which has apparently been revised down from 1080p). It’s not going to be the sharpest of pictures that you get.
Nevertheless, it’s handy to be able to share what’s inside your headset with other people, for all kinds of reasons. It’s perhaps something that Apple Store staff will take advantage of as they demo the device to potential buyers too.
There were several months between the time the Apple Vision Pro was announced and when preorders went live, and you’re not going to be able to walk into an Apple Store and buy a Vision Pro until Friday, February 2.
Everyone outside the US is going to have to wait even longer: it is possible to buy the headset internationally, but we wouldn’t recommend it. We haven’t heard when the device will go on sale in other regions, but we’ll keep you posted.
