Apple’s latest developer conference, WWDC 2024, focused heavily on the future of advanced AI services that will be coming to Macs, iPads, and iPhones in the fall. Despite this, the Apple Vision Pro, which was unveiled a year ago, was notably absent from the discussion. The Vision Pro is considered the future of computing with its robust Apple M2 chip, but it will not be getting generative AI capabilities this year. Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI services, will work on A17 Pro chips in iPhone 15 Pro models, M-series iPads, and Macs, potentially leaving the Vision Pro behind.
According to Apple, more platforms will receive Apple Intelligence in the future, with the Vision Pro and Apple Watch being potential candidates for upgrades. The Vision Pro, a complex device aimed at testing new ideas in mixed reality, could benefit greatly from AI services. However, its limited availability and unique inputs such as hand tracking and eye tracking may present challenges for integrating Apple Intelligence. The Vision Pro is currently being expanded to more countries, but its small sales numbers and intricate features may be reasons why it is not a priority for AI integration.
The Vision Pro’s complexity, including constant room scanning and various tracking inputs, may pose challenges for processors running AI. The device’s neural engine helps process these inputs along with overlaying virtual graphics onto live camera feeds. Despite the potential benefits of generative AI for devices like the Vision Pro, access to the device’s cameras for third-party apps remains limited. Apple may be managing the load on the Vision Pro’s processing power, leading to speculation about a potential next-generation headset with a more advanced processor in the future.
The future of generative AI in wearable devices like the Vision Pro could revolutionize mixed reality experiences, offering capabilities such as improved Siri functionality, creative content generation, and coding assistance. Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses and other devices are already starting to explore AI-driven applications, highlighting the potential for transformative experiences. As Apple and other manufacturers expand camera permissions on devices like the Vision Pro, the possibilities for generative AI in mixed reality will continue to evolve.
In conclusion, while the current version of the Vision Pro may not yet have access to generative AI capabilities, the potential for future advancements in AI integration is promising. As Apple and other companies continue to develop AI-driven features for wearable devices, the Vision Pro and similar headsets could become powerful tools for augmented reality experiences. With the right advancements and permissions in place, generative AI has the potential to enhance functionalities such as virtual assistant services, content creation, and real-time interactions in mixed reality environments.
