Apple Vision Pro First Immersive Short Film

Yes, Apple Vision Pro has released its first immersive short film, titled Submerged, which premiered on October 10, 2024, exclusively for Vision Pro users. The 17-minute World War II submarine thriller, directed by Edward Berger, is shot in 8K 3D with 180-degree field of view and Spatial Audio, and is available for free on the Apple TV app.

What Is Submerged and Why It Matters

Submerged is Apple’s first narrative film shot in Apple Immersive Video, a format that captures 180-degree 3D footage at 8K resolution with a 100-degree vertical field of view. Unlike traditional VR films that allow you to look anywhere in a 360-degree sphere, Apple’s format restricts horizontal viewing to 180 degrees, but the vertical range is larger than most headsets’ native field of view, making the image feel like it surrounds you.

The film is set in 1942 on a British submarine under attack by German destroyers. The story follows a young crew member named Stassek as he confronts fear and duty. It was directed by Edward Berger, known for All Quiet on the Western Front, and produced by Apple’s original content team. The film runs 17 minutes and is rated for ages 12 and up.

Why does this matter? It marks Apple’s serious entry into narrative filmmaking for spatial computing. Previous immersive releases were documentaries or sports highlights, like the 2024 MLS playoffs and a short film about the 2024 NBA Finals. Submerged is the first scripted drama, signaling Apple’s intent to build a library of premium immersive content.

How Apple Immersive Video Works

Apple Immersive Video is not the same as 360-degree VR. It uses a custom camera rig with two 8K sensors and microphones that capture a hemisphere of light and sound. When you watch on Vision Pro, the video is played back at 90 frames per second, with each eye receiving a separate 4K image. The headset’s eye-tracking and foveated rendering ensure that the center of your gaze is always sharp.

Key technical specs:

Resolution: 8K per eye (approximately 4,000 x 4,000 pixels per eye)
Field of view: 180 degrees horizontal, 100 degrees vertical
Frame rate: 90 fps
Audio: Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Format: MV-HEVC (Multiview High Efficiency Video Coding)

Unlike a 360-degree video where you can look behind you, in Apple Immersive Video you can only look forward. This is a deliberate choice to maintain cinematic framing – the director controls what you see, just like in a traditional film, but you can look around within that frame.

How to Watch Submerged on Vision Pro

To watch Submerged, you need a Vision Pro headset with visionOS 2.0 or later. Here is how to access it:

Ensure your Vision Pro is updated to visionOS 2.0 (Settings > General > Software Update).
Open the Apple TV app from the home screen.
Look for the Submerged banner on the Watch Now tab, or search for “Submerged” using the search icon.
Select the film and choose the “Immersive” version – there is also a 2D version for other devices.
Press play. The film will automatically fill your view. You can adjust volume using the Digital Crown and re-center your view by double-pressing the crown.

No additional purchase is required – the film is included with the Apple TV app’s free content. However, you do need an Apple ID and a Vision Pro. If you have a Vision Pro but cannot find the film, check that your region supports Apple Immersive Video; it is available in most countries where Vision Pro is sold.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Some users have reported issues when trying to watch Submerged. Here are the most common and how to fix them:

Film not appearing in Apple TV app: Force-quit the app (press the Digital Crown and side button simultaneously, then swipe up on the app card). Reopen and refresh. If it still doesn’t appear, restart the headset.
Video is blurry or not 3D: Make sure you are selecting the “Immersive” version, not the 2D one. Also check that your headset’s lenses are clean and your IPD (interpupillary distance) is set correctly in Settings > Device.
Audio is not spatial: Ensure Spatial Audio is enabled in Settings > Apps > TV > Audio. Also, make sure you are not using wired headphones that do not support head tracking.
Headset gets warm during playback: This is normal for high-resolution video. Pause for a few minutes if it becomes uncomfortable. Do not use while charging.
Video stutters: Close other apps running in the background. If you have iCloud syncing, wait until it finishes. A full restart of the headset often helps.

If none of these work, check Apple’s support page for visionOS updates – some bugs were fixed in visionOS 2.1.

How Submerged Compares to Other Immersive Content

Apple has released several immersive videos before Submerged, including:

Alicia Keys: Rehearsal Room – a 10-minute music performance
Wild Life – a nature documentary about rhinos
Adventure – a series featuring extreme sports
MLS and NBA highlights – short sports clips

Compared to these, Submerged is longer (17 minutes vs. 5-10 minutes), has a narrative arc, and uses professional actors and set design. It also employs more dynamic camera movement – the camera is often handheld or attached to the submarine’s interior, creating a sense of being inside the vessel. The film uses light and darkness extensively; scenes are often dimly lit, which showcases the headset’s HDR capabilities but also means you may need to adjust brightness.

One notable difference from 360-degree VR films (like those on YouTube or Meta Quest) is that you cannot look behind you. Some viewers find this limiting, but it also reduces motion sickness because your brain is not expecting to see behind you. Apple’s format is closer to an IMAX theater experience than a full VR simulation.

Cost and Availability of Vision Pro

The Apple Vision Pro itself costs $3,499 for the 256GB model, $3,699 for 512GB, and $3,899 for 1TB. The film Submerged is free, but you need the headset to watch it in immersive mode. There is no subscription required for the Apple TV app’s free content, but some other immersive videos may be part of Apple TV+ (which costs $9.99/month).

The Vision Pro is available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and several other countries. It requires an iPhone or iPad with Face ID to set up, and you need a compatible Apple ID. The headset comes with a Solo Knit Band and Dual Loop Band, and you can buy additional accessories like the Travel Case ($199) and Belkin Battery Holder ($49.95).

If you are considering buying a Vision Pro specifically for immersive films, note that the content library is still small – as of early 2025, there are fewer than 20 immersive videos available. However, Apple has announced plans to release more, including a documentary about the 2024 Paris Olympics and a series on the National Parks.

Safety and Comfort While Watching

Watching Submerged can be intense due to the claustrophobic setting and loud sound effects. Here are safety tips:

Take breaks every 20-30 minutes to reduce eye strain and motion sickness.
If you feel dizzy or nauseous, stop immediately and rest.
Make sure you are seated or standing in a clear area – you cannot see your surroundings while immersed.
Do not wear the headset while walking or driving.
Keep the headset away from water and extreme heat.
If you have a history of seizures or epilepsy, consult a doctor before using VR headsets.

Apple recommends that children under 13 should not use Vision Pro, and that users with certain medical conditions (like pregnancy or heart conditions) should consult a physician. The headset is not a medical device, but it can cause discomfort if used improperly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Submerged available on other VR headsets?

No, Submerged is exclusive to Apple Vision Pro. Apple has not released the Immersive Video format to other platforms, and the file format (MV-HEVC) is not supported by Meta Quest or other headsets. You cannot download it or watch it in a browser.

How long is the film?

The film is 17 minutes long. It is a short film, not a feature-length movie. Apple has not announced a sequel or additional episodes.

Do I need an Apple TV+ subscription to watch it?

No, Submerged is free to watch on the Apple TV app. You do not need an Apple TV+ subscription. However, some other immersive content (like certain sports documentaries) may require a subscription.

Can I watch it on a regular TV or iPhone?

Yes, there is a 2D version of Submerged available on Apple TV+ for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. But the immersive 3D version only works on Vision Pro. The 2D version is a standard widescreen film, not 360-degree.

Why is the video only 180 degrees, not 360?

Apple chose 180 degrees to maintain cinematic control. In a 360-degree film, the viewer can look anywhere, which can distract from the story. With 180 degrees, the director can frame shots like a traditional film while still giving you a sense of immersion. This also reduces the file size and processing power needed.

Will Apple release more immersive films like this?

Yes, Apple has announced plans to release more immersive content, including a documentary about the 2024 Paris Olympics, a series on the National Parks, and a concert film with The Weeknd. They have also opened an Immersive Video production studio in Los Angeles.

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