Apple’s Stalling Vision Pro Sales Prompt Partnership With Sony To Add PlayStation VR2 Controller Support

It was recently reported that Apple has only sold 500,000 units of the Vision Pro since its launch in February, and it appears that the company is aware of it and exploring ways to enhance sales. A new report claims that the company is expanding the Vision Pro headset use case by potentially partnering with Sony for its VR Gaming Controller support. The partnership has been in the works for several months now, and Sony’s VR controllers will be available to users as optional accessories.

Apple and Sony are working to bring PlayStation VR2 controller support to the Vision Pro

The news was shared by Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, stating that Apple will diversify the list of accessories for the Vision Pro by introducing support for Sony’s VR controllers. The analyst also noted that Apple’s handset supports the PlayStation 5 and Xbox controllers, but they are not optimized for the augmented reality experience. Sony’s VR controller, on the other hand, is designed to take advantage of a virtual reality user experience and would go along with Vision Pro’s essence.

The PlayStation and Xbox controllers lack the 6DOF or the six degrees of freedom required for precise VR gaming controls. Sony would have to make some changes to its product distribution strategy if it goes ahead with Apple’s plans, requiring it to offer the PlayStation VR2 controller separately, as it is currently bundled with the company’s headset. Apple could offer the controllers directly though its online stores and its retail outlets.

It brings us to question whether Apple is aiming to market the Vision Pro as a dedicated gaming headset. While it should head that road, the PlayStation VR2 controller will enhance productivity tasks as well as aid in media editing in visionOS, according to Mark Gurman. However, it will also serve its true purpose – gaming on the Vision Pro, which has been a hit or miss at this point. Nonetheless, it will make it easier for users to control and navigate the operating system using the thumb sticks and the directional pad. The finger pinch gesture could be replaced by the trigger button.

At this stage, it remains to be seen if the two companies have sealed the deal, and if so, there are no official statements on when we can expect the company to add support for the controller. Apple is aiming to expand its market for the Vision Pro, and offering support for the PlayStation VR2 controller could allow the device to extend its reach. We will share additional details on the matter, so do stick around.