Apple is collaborating with Sony to bring PlayStation VR2 hand controller support to Vision Pro, according to a new report from Mark Gurman.
In a newsletter to subscribers, Gurman revealed that Apple's Vision Pro has sold fewer than half a million units, with many buyers using the headset less than expected. He partly attributes this to the device's limited focus on gaming. The Vision Pro currently lacks both the gaming content and controller support needed for "AAA"-level titles, restricting its appeal to gamers.
It appears that Apple has recognized these shortcomings and is now working towards adding support for hand controllers.
Apple approached Sony earlier this year, and the duo agreed to work together on launching support for the PlayStation VR2's hand controllers on the Vision Pro. Inside Sony, the work has been a monthslong undertaking, I'm told. And Apple has discussed the plan with third-party developers, asking them if they'd integrate support into their games. This is critical because the currently supported PS5 and Xbox controllers are optimized for living room consoles, not virtual reality devices. To allow for the needed precision, Apple really needs dual hand controllers that support six degrees of freedom (6DOF) — like the accessories that Meta and Sony offer for their own headsets.
Gurman notes that hand controllers could also enhance productivity and media editing, offering benefits beyond gaming. While Apple reportedly has no plans to launch its own controller, the company has prototyped a 'wand' for the Vision Pro. This accessory would function similarly to an Apple Pencil, providing precise input control.
Support for VR2 controllers was supposed to be announced weeks ago, but apparently the rollout has been postponed. Gurman still expects an announcement at some point, but doesn't rule out that Apple could abruptly scrap its plans. Sony is expected to sell the controllers in Apple's online and retail stores.
Although the hand controllers are primarily meant to improve gaming on Vision Pro, they can also be used to navigate the headset's operating system. The thumb stick and direction pad can be used for scrolling, while the trigger can replace a finger pinch for clicking.
Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more Vision Pro updates.
In a newsletter to subscribers, Gurman revealed that Apple's Vision Pro has sold fewer than half a million units, with many buyers using the headset less than expected. He partly attributes this to the device's limited focus on gaming. The Vision Pro currently lacks both the gaming content and controller support needed for "AAA"-level titles, restricting its appeal to gamers.
It appears that Apple has recognized these shortcomings and is now working towards adding support for hand controllers.
Apple approached Sony earlier this year, and the duo agreed to work together on launching support for the PlayStation VR2's hand controllers on the Vision Pro. Inside Sony, the work has been a monthslong undertaking, I'm told. And Apple has discussed the plan with third-party developers, asking them if they'd integrate support into their games. This is critical because the currently supported PS5 and Xbox controllers are optimized for living room consoles, not virtual reality devices. To allow for the needed precision, Apple really needs dual hand controllers that support six degrees of freedom (6DOF) — like the accessories that Meta and Sony offer for their own headsets.
Gurman notes that hand controllers could also enhance productivity and media editing, offering benefits beyond gaming. While Apple reportedly has no plans to launch its own controller, the company has prototyped a 'wand' for the Vision Pro. This accessory would function similarly to an Apple Pencil, providing precise input control.
Support for VR2 controllers was supposed to be announced weeks ago, but apparently the rollout has been postponed. Gurman still expects an announcement at some point, but doesn't rule out that Apple could abruptly scrap its plans. Sony is expected to sell the controllers in Apple's online and retail stores.
Although the hand controllers are primarily meant to improve gaming on Vision Pro, they can also be used to navigate the headset's operating system. The thumb stick and direction pad can be used for scrolling, while the trigger can replace a finger pinch for clicking.
Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more Vision Pro updates.