Meta’s Quest 3 can play Apple’s “Spatial Video” for a fraction of the cost of the Vision Pro

Apple will officially launch the Vision Pro in the United States, marking the debut of Apple’s first new product line in nearly a decade in just a few hours. The mixed-reality “spatial computer” comes with a host of new features designed to appeal to potential buyers. One of these features is the ability to play back “space videos” recorded on iPhone 15 Pro models.

However, you don’t have to spend the hefty price tag of $3,500 to enjoy these videos. There’s a more affordable alternative, just buy Meta’s Quest line of headphones.

According to an announcement from Meta, the upcoming v62 operating system update will enable Quest 3, Quest 2, and Quest Pro to play space videos shot on the iPhone 15 Pro. It’s worth noting that distribution of this update will happen gradually over the next few weeks, so not everyone will receive it at the same time.

For those unfamiliar, Apple’s spatial video records at 1080p, 30fps and can be viewed on the iPhone as standard 2D video. The unique feature, however, is the ability to play them in a 3D environment on the Vision Pro mixed reality headset, rendered in a floating window. This is achieved by using the iPhone 15 Pro’s main camera lens and ultra-wide-angle lens to capture video, creating a three-dimensional effect.

$3,500 vs. $500

The Apple Vision Pro headphones cost a whopping $3,499, while Meta’s Quest 3 is a much cheaper $499. This translates into a cost difference of up to $3,000 for equivalent functionality. While the Vision Pro achieves superior native playback capabilities thanks to its high-resolution OLED display, the Quest 3 offers a compelling and cost-effective alternative, making for an interesting and enjoyable comparison.