Apple’s Vision Pro headset is facing a challenge, having sold only 500,000 units since its February launch. In a bid to boost sales, the company is exploring new collaborations, including a significant potential partnership with Sony. Reports suggest that this collaboration aims to enrich the Vision Pro’s offerings by integrating support for Sony’s VR Gaming Controllers, possibly transforming Apple’s headset into a more versatile device.
The initiative, which has been under development for several months, would make Sony’s VR controllers available as optional accessories to enhance the Vision Pro’s functionality. Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter, reveals that Apple plans to diversify its accessory lineup by enabling Sony’s VR controller compatibility with Vision Pro. While Apple’s handset currently supports PlayStation 5 and Xbox controllers, these are not tailored for the specific augmented reality experience that Vision Pro aspires to deliver.
Sony’s VR controllers, designed for a virtual reality environment, provide a more immersive experience, aligning perfectly with the Vision Pro’s nature. Unlike the traditional PlayStation and Xbox controllers, Sony’s VR controllers offer six degrees of freedom (6DOF), necessary for precise VR gaming controls. For this collaboration to be successful, Sony might need to revise its distribution model, possibly offering PlayStation VR2 controllers separately since they are currently packaged with Sony headsets. Apple could then retail these controllers through its online and physical stores.
This potential collaboration raises an intriguing question: Is Apple positioning the Vision Pro as a dedicated gaming headset? While such a move seems logical, especially for gaming enthusiasts, the PlayStation VR2 controller’s support could also enhance productivity and media editing on visionOS. It brings an opportunity to streamline tasks and elevate users’ interaction with the operating system using intuitive controls like thumb sticks for navigation and trigger buttons possibly replacing the familiar finger pinch gesture for selection.
At present, the partnership details remain under wraps, with no official announcements on when the controller support might be implemented. By expanding Vision Pro’s capabilities through PlayStation VR2 controllers, Apple could reach a broader audience and improve its standing in the market. As this situation develops, further updates are expected, promising more fascinating insights into Apple’s future strategies.
