Apple has already confirmed that the Vision Pro, its $3,499 mixed reality headset, will include support for “popular game controllers,” but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman appears to have the specifics, having shared a new Power On newsletter yesterday that implies both PlayStation 5 and Xbox controllers can be used with the pricey device. These would presumably include the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 and Sony’s DualSense Wireless Controller, which has since received an upgrade in the form of the $200 DualSense Edge. Gurman also says that Apple is working on new AirPods with USB-C, hearing health and body-temperature features, and a cheaper price, as well as a standalone smart display/monitor that features Apple silicon.
The company explored the idea of a finger-worn device that would work as a controller. Early in the platform’s development, Apple even tested third-party virtual reality controllers, including those from HTC. In the end, it decided that tracking hand and eye movements without an accessory was a more elegant solution.
Still, the Vision Pro will support PlayStation 5 and Xbox controllers for games. And some developers and users have asked if Apple will make its own game controller for more optimized experiences or support VR hand controllers such as those for the PlayStation VR. As of now, I’m told that Apple isn’t planning its own Vision Pro game controller, nor is it actively planning support for third-party VR accessories.
Apple considered controllers for the Vision Pro but ultimately went all in on eye and hand tracking. It’s not currently planning to support third party VR controllers either https://t.co/8ckDBoM18Q
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) July 2, 2023
Is Apple working on new monitors? https://t.co/8ckDBoM18Q
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) July 2, 2023
I’m told Apple is working on multiple next-generation monitors, including a large-screen panel with an iOS device chip and software stack. The idea is that the screen could double as a Mac monitor and a smart home display…