Apple’s Vision Pro Impact on Sports Entertainment
Justin Lotito
Staff Writer
Introduced on February 2nd, Apple’s latest innovative product the Vision Pro, offers a new way to view sports.
The Vision Pro is the latest virtual reality device to hit the market. Virtual reality is technology that immerses a user in a computer-generated environment. Apple’s newest product allows one to control a virtual interface with their hands and eyes.
Polling conducted by the Seton Hall Sports poll suggests a large portion of individuals have heard of the Vision Poll. According to the polling, 34-percent of the population has heard of the product. The polling also shows that 43-percent of casual sports fans have heard of Apple’s device.
These findings could prove to be helpful for Apple. Both the NBA and MLB have created spatial computing apps, Sports Pro Media reports. The NBA app enables fans to view up to five games concurrently both live and on-demand. By opening day, the MLB’s app will give fans access to a virtual ballpark and live ball tracking.
Data provided by the Seton Hall Sports Poll shows 31 percent of the public would be interested in watching a sports poll with the Vision Pro.
The NFL has yet to introduce a Vision Pro app. Currently, the NFL offers licensed games on Meta Quest 3 and the PlayStation VR.
While there is not an app dedicated to the NFL on Vision Pro, fans could be seeing one soon. This is due to NFL fans’ interest in watching a game via the product. According to the Seton Hall Sports Poll, 45 percent of NFL fans are interested in watching a game via the technology.
Fans of the MLS can expect to see content from the Vision Pro. This is due to Apple and the MLS signing a ten-year deal broadcast deal.
“We’re thrilled to kick off the 2024 season and build upon this game-changing partnership, which is bringing Major League Soccer to its largest global audience ever while showcasing the next-level athleticism and electric fandom of the league,” Vice President of Services at Apple Eddy Cue stated.
The Vision Pro will feature exclusive content from the 2023 MLS season. Fans will be able to view never-before-seen film captured in Apple Immersive video. This film will be viewable in 8k, 3D, and with a 180-view of the field. Users can listen to the game with spatial audio.
Apple’s product has already made headlines in the sports world. At a Boston Celtics game, a fan could be seen wearing the product courtside. Videos show the man engaging the Vison Pro’s features by using his hands.
While new, the Vision Pro seems to offer an exciting future for sports fans.
Contact Justin at justin.lotito@student.shu.edu