Disney CEO praises Apple VisionPro as a revolutionary platform, and two companies establish a partnership

(Original title: Disney and) On Monday, June 6th, local time in the United States, Disney announced a partnership with Apple on the new VisionPro hybrid reality headdisplay. Earlier that same day, Apple released a hybrid reality headphone display called AppleVisionPro, priced at $3499, at the 2023 World Developers Conference (WWDC23)

(Original title: Disney and)

On Monday, June 6th, local time in the United States, Disney announced a partnership with Apple on the new VisionPro hybrid reality headdisplay. Earlier that same day, Apple released a hybrid reality headphone display called AppleVisionPro, priced at $3499, at the 2023 World Developers Conference (WWDC23).

Bob Iger, Disney CEO, said at the Apple Global Developers Conference: "We have been looking for new ways to entertain and motivate our fans, combining extraordinary creativity with breakthrough technology to create a truly extraordinary experience. We believe VisionPro is a revolutionary platform that can help us achieve this vision."

Igor stated that he has tried out Apple's head display device and was moved by the "profound personal experience" it can create, which can bring Disney fans "closer to their favorite characters".

He also said that Disney's streaming service Disney+will be launched along with VisionPro, and Apple has stated that it will start shipping "early next year". This immersive head display allows people to watch movies and TV through huge virtual screens in environments such as space, or directly participate in underwater activities. Igel showcased these two experiences on Monday. It will also support 3D, just like Meta's Quest header display.

Igel demonstrated how VR can change the way fans watch sports matches, bringing them to the sidelines of the field and allowing them to change their angles.

For Igor, being able to truly create something new instead of cutting Disney's business could be a welcome change. In November last year, when the company and the entire media industry were in trouble, Igel re assumed the position of CEO of Disney.

In recent months, Disney has laid off 7000 jobs in three rounds of layoffs, with the latest round starting at the end of May and a total of 2500 layoffs expected. This layoff dissolved the company's metaverse team, initiated by former CEO Bob Chapek and led by Mike White, a long-time Disney executive.

In a conflict with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Igor canceled his plan to invest $1 billion in building a new park in the state. He even withdrew dozens of programs and movies from Disney+and Hulu, which is expected to result in a $1.5 billion write down in the second quarter.

In the face of economic headwinds, these measures may be necessary, but they will definitely benefit the team that has spent decades building the Disney Empire by acquiring Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, expanding theme parks, and more.

Although the partnership with Apple is good news for both Igel and Disney, it is worth noting that for at least some time, Apple's VisionPro still appears to be a niche product. Firstly, its selling price will reach $3499. In contrast, Meta's upcoming Quest3 is priced at only $499. And for any company, VR has not made significant progress yet.

However, if VisionPro is truly a "revolutionary platform" as predicted by Igel, Disney will receive substantial returns from it. (Small)