Apple looks to bring immersive sports livestreams to the Vision Pro
Something to look forward to: Apple launched the Vision Pro headset earlier this year to a lukewarm response from consumers, largely due to its exorbitant price tag. To make the device more enticing to buyers, the company is reportedly in discussion with a major European soccer club for immersive game broadcasts that could offer fans the feeling of being at the stadium while in the comfort of their own home.
According to Spanish sports blog Marca, Apple is negotiating with Spanish soccer club Real Madrid to upgrade its home ground, the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, with state-of-the-art technology to live stream games in immersive video on the Vision Pro. The tie-up would create the “Infinite Santiago Bernabéu” augmented reality experience, giving fans the feeling of being at the stadium without being physically present at the venue.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez Rodríguez has confirmed the negotiations, saying that the plan could help address the high demand for tickets at the Santiago Bernabéu. In a recent General Assembly session, Rodríguez expressed hope that the initiative could provide an exciting way to reduce scalping and ensure that real fans get to experience the feeling of being at a game without having to spend a fortune on tickets.
Rodríguez added that immersive live streams are no longer science-fiction, but the future of broadcasting.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Apple has worked with Real Madrid. The two previously collaborated on a documentary called ‘Real Madrid: Until the End,’ which debuted on Apple TV+ last year. It offers a behind-the-scenes look into the team’s progress during the 2021 – 2022 season, when they won the Spanish league (La Liga) title, the Spanish Super Cup (Supercopa de España), and UEFA Champions League.
Announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in 2023, the Vision Pro debuted globally earlier this year. While rumors about the headset created a buzz among tech enthusiasts prior to its announcement, much of that initial excitement subsided after the company revealed its $3,500 price.
Following its launch, reviewers and potential buyers criticized it for its high cost, poor battery life, and lack of an HDMI input, among other issues.
Apple is now reportedly working on a cheaper VR headset with an affordable price tag, with rumors suggesting that it could release by the end of next year. It will be interesting to see if the upcoming device will finally help AR and VR go mainstream, or if it will remain a niche technology for the foreseeable future.
