Disney and Apple collaborate on new VR and AR storytelling experiences
Disney CEO Bob Iger, joined Apple CEO Tim Cook, at the Apple WWDC23 to announce Disney’s collaboration for future VR and AR endeavors with Apple’s just-announced Vision Pro headset. As part of the Disney100 celebration, this tech endeavor brings Disney+, ESPN+, and Disney Parks to your living room.
Iger stepped to the stage to give an overview of this new Apple Vision Pro collaboration. While no specific applications were announced yet, a preview of things to come showcased the depth of Disney’s portfolio with Marvel, ESPN, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Star Wars.
Going beyond the screen on Disney+
Iger asked viewers to imagine a world where Disney+ and familiar fan-favorite shows like “The Mandalorian” can go beyond the big screen and come alive in their home.
These shows could expand the Star Wars galaxy and bring information to life, like planet locations, vehicle types, character info, and more.
Bringing the basketball court to your living room
Through Apple Vision Pro, ESPN+ can bring the court to your coffee table with court view replay.
Five different sports can be playing on the virtual screens around your living room, and in-room celebrations become even more personal with virtual full-sized athletes coming alive right in front of you.
Sitting inside a Star Wars speeder
Using the Vision Pro’s VR to its full advantage, viewers can sit in their own Star Wars speeder on Tatooine while watching the latest episode of “The Mandalorian.”
The Vision Pro headset uses spatial audio and dual 4K eye screens to bring the ultimate Star Wars experience to you.
Bringing Mickey Mouse into our world
The world of Mickey Mouse and friends could even come to life without the need to visit a Disney theme park.
“What if your imaginary friends weren’t quite so imaginary,” states the Disney Vision Pro preview.
Visiting Disney Parks from your kitchen countertop
If you want to visit the Disney Parks virtually, that’s possible too. No specific information was given, but the preview does show the Main Street Electrical Parade coming to life on a kitchen counter as it drives up to Walt Disney World’s Cinderella Castle, all while fireworks explode overhead.
Exact details are limited for now, but a digital world of Apple-powered AR and VR experiences enhanced by Disney storytelling is certainly exciting to think about.
When it’s available, Apple Vision Pro will start at $3499.
So Apple is making the OASIS from Ready Player One. I don’t think they quite understood the moral of that story.