According to AppleInsider, Apple Vision Pro is approaching its second birthday with surprisingly little Apple Immersive Video content available, but that’s about to change dramatically. The company recently held a 10-hour “Create Immersive” event revealing the production pipeline has finally solidified for third-party creators. Apple Immersive Video features stunning 8K short films between 10-20 minutes that showcase the headset’s capabilities, but until now, only Apple could produce them using pre-release Blackmagic cameras costing $33,000. The event detailed how studios can now access the necessary hardware and software, including editing tools like DaVinci Resolve Studio and distribution through platforms like Vimeo. This technical breakthrough means we’re likely to see immersive NBA streams, MLB recaps, and other professional content arriving soon.
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Why it took so long
Here’s the thing about Apple Immersive Video – it wasn’t that Apple was keeping it locked down intentionally. The whole production process was basically held together with duct tape until recently. They were using pre-release cameras, beta software, and custom rigs that just weren’t ready for prime time. Now that the Blackmagic cameras are actually shipping to studios and the editing pipeline exists, we’re seeing the first signs of what’s possible.
I mean, think about it – when you’re dealing with 8160×7200 pixels per eye that gets processed into streamable 4320×4320 content using something called Static Foveation, you can’t just point and shoot. This isn’t your average YouTube video production. Actors need special direction, backgrounds have to be perfect since viewers can look anywhere, and the audio engineering is ridiculously complex.
What this means for content
We’re about to see a flood of professional immersive content, but let’s be real – this isn’t for amateur creators. At $33,000 per camera, we’re talking studios and professional production houses. Apple’s already testing the waters with NBA immersive streams of Lakers games, and it’s pretty obvious where this is headed. MLB recaps, F1 races, MLS matches – basically any premium sports content that benefits from that “you are there” feeling.
But here’s my question: when do we move beyond short films and sports highlights? We’ve seen amazing technical showcases like “Submerged,” but where are the scripted shows? The feature-length films? Watching a 2-hour movie in VR might sound exhausting, but that’s the natural evolution. Apple needs to push creators toward longer-form narrative content, not just tech demos.
The bigger picture
Look, Apple’s doing what Apple does best – creating an entire ecosystem from hardware to software to distribution. They’ve built the technical foundation with detailed developer guidance and comprehensive video sessions covering everything from Windows, Volumes, and Spaces to immersive audio implementation. The second part of their Create Immersive event specifically focused on the video production pipeline that now exists.
But here’s the catch – they can build all the pipelines they want, but if creators don’t bother making content for a $3,500 headset with limited adoption, what’s the point? Apple’s betting that the format itself is compelling enough to drive content creation organically. I’m not entirely convinced, but the fact that they’re not throwing money at creators suggests they believe in the technology‘s inherent appeal.
Basically, we’re still in the experimental phase, but the pieces are finally falling into place. The cameras are shipping, the software supports the format, and distribution channels are opening up. Now we wait to see if anyone actually cares enough to build the next generation of immersive entertainment.
