Apple Unveils First Scripted Film Shot in Immersive Video and Announces New Experiences for Apple Vision Pro

By DaMarko Webster

Apple has unveiled a new wave of immersive content that will debut on its Apple Vision Pro headset, featuring films, series, music performances, and more—all captured in Apple Immersive Video. This cutting-edge media format uses ultra-high-resolution 3D video and Spatial Audio to create a deeply engaging, cinematic experience that places viewers right at the heart of the action. Best of all, these experiences will be available for free to Vision Pro users.

Leading the charge is Submerged, the first scripted short film produced in Apple Immersive Video. Written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), this thriller takes viewers inside a WWII-era submarine as its crew battles through a harrowing attack. The film pushes the limits of storytelling, allowing audiences to feel as though they are right there, shoulder to shoulder with the characters, thanks to the immersive capabilities of Vision Pro.

“Apple Immersive Video allows Apple Vision Pro users around the world to experience the next generation of sports, documentaries, and music performances,” said Tor Myhren, Apple’s Vice President of Marketing Communications. “With Submerged, we’re excited to premiere the future of narrative filmmaking. Vision Pro places you in the middle of the story — inside a densely packed submarine, shoulder to shoulder with its crew. That deep sense of immersion just wasn’t possible before.”

Edward Berger, known for his Academy Award-winning All Quiet on the Western Front, shared his enthusiasm for this new format: “Apple Vision Pro inspired me to tell a story in a way that just wasn’t possible before. This immersive technology pioneered by Apple is going to change the future of filmmaking.”

Filmed across Prague, Brussels, and Malta over three weeks, Submerged utilized a full-scale, 23-ton submarine set made from real steel, brass, and metal. Built to withstand underwater scenes, the set was equipped with practical camera rigs and special effects designed to keep the Apple Immersive Video cameras safe from sparks, steam, and water, ensuring that the illusion of realism was never broken. For added authenticity, cast members underwent extensive stunt training, including freediving and underwater rehearsals.

Apple isn’t stopping with film. Next month, Apple and The Weeknd will release a stunning immersive music experience celebrating the artist’s upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. Vision Pro users can expect a multisensory journey into The Weeknd’s world, enhancing their listening experience in a way never before possible.

Later this year, Concert for One will debut, offering intimate performances from top artists. The series will kick off with a special set from award-winning British singer-songwriter RAYE, letting fans feel as though they are in a front-row seat at a private concert.

Additionally, new episodes of Adventure, Apple’s documentary series that follows athletes pushing the boundaries of their sports, will be released. The immersive format brings viewers closer to the action, making them feel like they’re on the same thrilling journey as these pioneering athletes.

Apple’s move into immersive video marks a bold new chapter in how we experience media. The company’s dedication to pushing technological boundaries is set to change the landscape of entertainment, making experiences that once seemed impossible now within reach. From bringing viewers inside a WWII submarine to placing them at the center of a concert stage, Apple Immersive Video and Vision Pro represent the future of storytelling.

As Berger noted, “Apple Immersive Video is a wonderful new medium that expands the horizon of storytelling. It changed the way my team and I think about creating a story.”

With its ambitious blend of technology and creativity, Apple is not just reimagining entertainment but creating a new reality for how stories are told and experienced.