Apple teams up with Sony for PlayStation VR controllers in Vision Pro

In a significant development for virtual reality gaming, Apple has reportedly entered into a partnership with Sony Group to enable the use of PlayStation VR hand controllers with its Vision Pro headset. Discussions between the two companies commenced earlier this year, culminating in an agreement aimed at enhancing the gaming experience on the Vision Pro. Despite the current support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox controllers, these devices lack the crucial six degrees of freedom necessary for a full-fledged virtual reality experience. The collaboration highlights Apple's gradual shift toward embracing gaming, moving beyond its initial focus on immersive content consumption and productive applications. The Vision Pro headset, which retails for $3,500, has encountered challenges in gaining traction in the consumer market. Reports indicate that Apple has sold fewer than half a million units, with many users either returning the device or using it less than expected. This lukewarm reception prompted Apple to reconsider its strategy in appealing to a broader audience. Recently, CEO Tim Cook acknowledged that the premium price point positions the Vision Pro more as an early-adopter product rather than a mass-market item. With this in mind, Apple is said to be exploring the idea of a lower-budget version of the headset. As part of its strategy to adapt to market demands, the potential upcoming version of Vision Pro could rely on the computing capabilities of the iPhone, thereby reducing production costs while still providing users with a virtual reality experience, albeit with less advanced features compared to its flagship model. Such a decision could broaden the consumer base and encourage a wider adoption of the headset. Although Apple had previously investigated the possibility of creating its own controller, the concept was shelved due to concerns about potential confusion among developers and increased costs. Industry analysts speculate that this partnership with Sony reflects an essential recognition by Apple of the limitations posed by its gesture-based control systems. The earlier considerations for developing an Apple Pencil-like