Disney looks to create real-life magic through its partnership with Apple.
During Apple’s recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the company unveiled the highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset that will be available for purchase early next year. And while most of the attention at the event was focused on productivity, Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed that the company’s streaming service, Disney+, will be available on the headset at launch.
Throughout its history, The Walt Disney Company has been at the forefront of developing new storytelling technologies, and through a new partnership with Apple, Disney+ will be a big part of Apple’s Vision Pro experience.
Instead of watching a traditional TV in your living room, you’ll be able to watch your favorite Disney+ shows from the dusty planet of Tatooine. Don’t worry, Vader won’t show up to spoil the ending of shows. He HATES sand!
Of course, Tatooine is just one environment that will be available to you. It looks as though we’ll be able to access a number of cool companion experiences, including Marvel and Disney World-themed experiences.
In addition, the company showed a video indicating that users of Disney+ will be able to watch sports games using Vision Pro. One example shown was a regular 2D football game with a widget-like interface that displayed various information such as the score and win probability. Another experience featured a 3D view of a basketball game on a coffee table.
“We’re constantly in search of new ways to entertain, inform and inspire our fans by combining extraordinary creativity with groundbreaking technology to create truly remarkable experiences,” said Bob Iger, Disney CEO, during Apple’s WWDC 2023 keynote on Monday. “And we believe Apple Vision Pro is a revolutionary platform that can make our vision a reality.”
Disney also showed a teaser suggesting that Disney+ may also feature interactive experiences. For instance, the device could allow users to immerse themselves in various National Geographic content.
Iger excitedly stood on the Apple stage and talked about Vision Pro, saying that it “allows us to bring Disney to our fans in ways that were previously impossible.” Fans can place themselves into an episode of Marvel’s What If …? or immerse themselves right in the middle of Disney World from their home.
“It will allow us to create deeply personal experiences that bring our fans closer to the characters they love,” Iger said. “This platform will allow us to bring Disney to our fans in ways that were previously impossible.”
The partnership with Disney is a huge boost for the development of XR headsets. Iger noted that Disney and Apple are working together to bring “real-life magic” to consumers through the use of technology. You will be able to experience Disney+ on the first day of the Apple Vision Pro release, which will be early next year.
For more information on Apple Vision Pro check out our full coverage of yesterday’s announcement here.
Feature Image Credit: Apple
