According to Technology Editor of SportsPro, Apple has a unique ability to combine hardware, software, and compelling use cases to successfully bring VR sports to life where other companies have failed.
In recent years, both the tech and sports industries have increasingly relied on augmented reality (XR) technologies, claiming they can deliver more immersive and engaging digital experiences that smartphones or TVs can’t.
XR represents a unique opportunity for technology providers to create a new product category that offsets commercialization and market saturation. This opens up new streams of hardware, services and business revenue, providing a long-term platform for continued growth.
Currently, the path to virtual reality is hampered by a lack of consumer demand and various barriers to its implementation. Low awareness of the possibilities of VR, little interest in existing applications, and requirements for expensive equipment and a relative level of technical literacy create obstacles. To complicate matters, virtual reality is often confused with a fuzzy representation of metaverses that are not yet felt by the general public.
VR sports broadcasts are still in the experimental phase, but the launch of Apple Vision represents significant progress in the widespread adoption of XR technologies and applications.
The Vision Pro has great technology, but that’s only part of the equation. Iconic design has been at the core of Apple’s breakthrough since the 2000s. The ingenious iMac series, the revolutionary iPod wheel and touch-screen iPhone have revolutionized their markets, and the Apple Watch has brought fashion awareness to Apple.
Apple’s headset was previously a well-kept secret in tech circles, but it’s now available to the general public. Few argue that Vision Pro is a new stage in the company’s ambitions. Apparently, in the near future, Apple plans to introduce a more mainstream device that will draw attention to key use cases, create a mature ecosystem for developers, and satisfy untapped demand for the next significant breakthrough in technology.
Disney CEO Bob Iger made a surprise appearance on stage at the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) to share how the Vision Pro headset could change the way you watch sports. ESPN viewers will soon be able to enjoy a unique experience that includes multiple angles, immersive replays and the ability to watch multiple matches at the same time. Imagine a future where you can watch a Formula 1 race from the driver’s seat.
At the heart of the network’s transition to a live content-centric (DTC) future is the need to introduce new technologies as a core component.
Apple could also try to apply the same strategy to its small but potentially growing sports streaming portfolio by offering an immersive experience for Major League Baseball (MLB) or adding Vision Pro features to the Major League Soccer (MLS) Season Pass. Rumors of expansion in the UK Premier League and college football in the US could have even more implications for sports broadcasting.
It should also be noted that many of these features are already technically available on other VR platforms. However, until Apple introduces its mainstream device to this market, other vendors that have moved further in their technological and commercial plans may take advantage of Apple’s appearance halo effect.
Meta has invested heavily in developing its own hardware and developer ecosystem, and the recently announced Quest 3 headset seems like a clear benefit from that investment. Its more affordable price of $499 only highlights this benefit.
AR, VR and XR have finally reached their breakthrough, and early feedback on the Vision Pro suggests that this moment has arrived. Apple is already defining the future of immersive experiences and how sports will be streamed in virtual reality.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our Telegram channel!
