Though still marginal, the market for VR devices is rapidly expanding as the list of applications grows. Initially, gaming was the largest application field for virtual-reality devices and subsequently augmented- and mixed-reality (XR) devices. However, with the introduction of some professionally-oriented models, the list of potential applications, and thus the entire market, is starting to expand.
The first among these is the recently released Meta Quest Pro—undoubtedly one of the most powerful VR headsets on the market. Meta stated that, though it can be used for gaming, Meta Quest Pro leans more towards productivity rather than entertainment.
On the other hand, Apple is launching it’s own Vision Pro headset for $3,499 in 2023. And this is one of those instances in which being late to a party is a good thing. The release of Meta Quest Pro could give Apple insight into areas in which it can improve its product and thus better compete with one of its rivals.
Admittedly, the device still hasn’t hit the market, but we’ll try to compare Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest Pro based on what we know today. We’ll address potential differences in design, hardware, and price to determine which is better. Let’s dive right in.
Apple VR Headset vs. Meta Quest Pro: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Meta Quest ProApple Vision Pro | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Approx. $1,500 | $3,499 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ | Apple M2 |
| RAM | 12GB | 16GB |
| Display | 1,800×1,920 pixels per eye | 4,000×4,000 pixels per eye |
| Features | Various Meta productivity and social tools | App Store, App Intent, and Shortcuts, See through lens |
| Battery life | Up to two hours on a single charge | Up to two hours on a single charge |
- Mixed reality feature lets you interact with the physical world.
- Meta Avatars feature translates your actual facial expressions to VR in real time.
- World class ergonomics guarantee the best fit
- Access to the Oculus Store
Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest Pro: What’s the Difference
Discussing Apple Vision Pro vs Meta Quest Pro differences is a bit tricky at this point. Meta Quest Pro was released recently, and the device’s specifications and integrations are well-known at this point. However, that’s not the case with Apple. We know a little from the June 5th reveal, but the product isn’t set to release until next year.
One interesting distinction is the Apple Vision Pro will be both an AR and VR headset, with the ability to see through the lens as needed.
Design
When it comes to design, Meta outdid themselves in this department, and Quest Pro, by far, is their prettiest device. However, it’s not their most comfortable one. The passthrough mixed-reality “goggles” are now 40% smaller than Oculus 2, which contributes to the overall better aesthetics of the device.
With that said, their shape and overall design make the wearer look like an odd combination of a combat pilot and WALL-E from the same-name animated film. That doesn’t make it bad in any sense; it just looks peculiar.
The point of contention among users is the mounting hardware. According to most Meta Quest Pro users, the wearing comfort ranks between good and poor. The non-interchangeable head mount is too stiff, and a forehead pad, though padded, leaves pressure marks.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any other fixing points, so users with raised foreheads might have comfort issues after longer wearing periods. This can be alleviated, up to a point, by adjusting the rear head mount, which also houses the battery.
Apple’s Vision Pro has just been unveiled in June 2023 and the internet is buzzing with the news. As for the design, we can expect slick industrial aesthetics with plenty of users’ ergonomics in mind. Some reports even suggest the device will be relatively light, weighing anywhere between 300 and 400 grams. This is nearly half a pound lighter compared to Quest Pro.
Hardware
When it comes to hardware, Meta Quest Pro uses a Snapdragon XR2+ processor. According to Meta, the new processor is approx. 50% more powerful than the one used on Quest 2. In addition, the new hardware sports 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
Regarding resolution, the Quest Pro shares its 1920x1800p per eye with the Quest 2. However, there are differences in image quality. Quest Pro uses a local dimming backlight system, which offers infinite contrast. As a result, the display outputs a 130% wider color gamut compared to Quest 2.
Apple, on the other hand, allegedly used shell companies to trademark the names “Reality Pro” and Reality One.” This might suggest that the company works on two or more XR headsets. This would be surprising, considering that most of its products have a Pro version.
So, it’s quite possible for Reality One to compete with Meta Quest 2 and Reality Pro to go up against Meta Quest Pro. According to Apple reporter Mark Gurman, the Apple Vision Pro headset is sporting a Mac-level M2 chip with 16 RAM.
In terms of performance, the current M1 chip outperforms the XR2 chips used in Quest 2. The recently announced M2 is said to outperform its predecessor by 18% per watt in CPU computations. Not only that, but the new chip will offer a 35% increase in GPU and 40% in AI calculations. These performance metrics make it the obvious choice for the upcoming headset.
We can also expect Apple’s product to feature a more powerful display regarding image quality. Current suggestions state that Apple contracted Sony and LG to make 4000x4000p displays for the first-gen devices. However, it’s also highly likely that Samsung is involved, considering that it’s already making iPhone screens for Apple.
If these rumors are true, Apple’s XR headset will sport the highest-quality display ever featured on a mass-produced VR/AR headset.
Software and Integrations
Meta decided to retain its independence from PC, so the company went with Android for its OS. However, the Meta Horizon Workrooms is still experiencing bugs with location tracing and several other issues. To be honest, the software is still in its beta phase, so it’s quite reasonable.
We’d like to point out that the software is potentially useful. The eye- and face-tracking tech definitely enhance the experience, making it feel more personal and realistic. It’ll most likely be even better once all the wrinkles in the software have been ironed out.
But software and integrations are one area where Apple won’t have a problem in besting Meta. The company filed for a “Reality OS” trademark for the OS that will run the hardware. It will include mixed-reality versions of core Apple apps, including Messages, Maps, and FaceTime.
The new OS will likely use App Intents for app integrations with Siri and Shortcuts. Overall, we can expect the Apple Store on XR to be among the best, if not the best one, available on the market.
Price
The Meta Quest Pro pricing starts at approx. $1,500, which is considerably pricier than Quest 2—currently priced at approx. $350. Still, that price point isn’t anywhere as high as some models from companies such as HTC, Varjo, etc.
Considering the hardware it will pack, Apple’s Vision Pro is priced at $3,499. This might sound expensive, but Varjo XR3 costs approx. $6,500 tax-excluded. It’s not like Apple to launch a new product line with something this expensive. So, the talks about a Pro and One model—with the latter being more affordable—seem more likely to happen.
Either way, judging from what we know about both devices, the price isn’t really a viable metric in this case. Customers get what they paid for, and though Apple charges a premium, their device has all the potential to outperform Meta Quest Pro. So, the prices of both devices are well justified, but Apple’s device is likely to offer more power.
Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest Pro: Must-Know Facts
- Apple allegedly used several shell companies to register trademarks for Reality One, Reality Pro, and RealityOS.
- Apple’s Vision Pro is due for release in 2023.
- Meta Quest Pro is regarded as the best XR set on the current market, despite the pricier options available.
- If the Apple Vision Pro headset’s displays really feature 4000×4000 pixels per eye, it will be the industry’s highest-resolution XR headset.
- The upcoming headset by Apple is likely to feature Windows compatibility for gaming purposes.
Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest Pro: Which is More Powerful
To be entirely honest, it feels like comparing apples and oranges. Given Apple’s history, design preferences, and hardware-software compatibility, Apple’s Vision Pro headset will likely outperform Meta Quest Pro.
The hardware specs of Quest Pro can’t really measure up to those announced for the Apple Vision Pro headset. This leads us to believe that the device will be a true productivity and entertainment powerhouse. Pairing its power with Apple’s app ecosystem, Reality Pro will likely dominate the market in the segment of professionally-oriented devices.
- Mixed reality feature lets you interact with the physical world.
- Meta Avatars feature translates your actual facial expressions to VR in real time.
- World class ergonomics guarantee the best fit
- Access to the Oculus Store
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