Apple Vision Pro’s virtual keyboard reportedly doesn’t work as Apple intended it to, which means you won’t see it at launch.
Apple Vision Pro is set to hit shelves on February 2. It is an iOS-ready VR headset with the ability to blend the real world and virtual objects in your vision. Vision Pro can stream movies and videos, and also run your iPhone apps.
You were even supposed to type on it through a virtual keyboard but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple is ditching that idea (for now). That’s because the feature isn’t working as smoothly as the Cupertino company wanted it to. Gurman says you have to use it “like you did before you learned how to type.”
The Vision Pro virtual keyboard is a complete write-off at least in 1.0. You have to poke each key one finger at a time like you did before you learned how to type. There is no magical in-air typing. You can also look at a character and pinch. You’ll want a Bluetooth keyboard.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) January 12, 2024
Vision Pro may not have virtual keyboard at launch
Apple’s Vision Pro’s virtual keyboard looked like a pretty cool feature when Apple showcased it during the announcement. Who wouldn’t like to type in the air like some sci-fi movie protagonist?
But Mark Gurman suggests the virtual keyboard is not as good as it first seemed. “There is no magical in-air typing,” he says. Gurman claims that the virtual keyboard requires you to “poke each key one finger at a time like you did before you learned how to type”.
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It’s certainly disappointing if the virtual keyboard is not making it. Gurman suggests Apple might bring it later, potentially with a software update. But for now, you may have to connect the VR headset to a wireless keyboard to start typing.
Vision Pro’s virtual keyboard was supposed to be “quick and responsive”. Apple designer Eugene explained in the developer session that it makes up for the “missing tactile information” with matching spatial sound effects.
In any case, you’ll be able to pre-book the Vision Pro starting January 19. The VR headset ships with many free accessories. Apple will even let you try it for free from your nearest Apple Store.