Apple today launched a new immersive short film called Submerged for free on Vision Pro, letting users explore a harrowing tale set in a WWII-era submarine. The company also announced its next slate of immersive content, including an NBA basketball documentary, a music video from The Weeknd, immersive concerts and new episodes of Adventure.

Starting today, Submerged will be available on Apple TV for Vision Pro for users across Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, the UK and the US.

As Apple’s first scripted short film for Vision Pro, the company says the “adrenaline-pumping thrill ride” will put viewers in the center of the action thanks to its stereoscopic 180-degree 8K resolution video and spatial audio.

Image courtesy Apple

Shot on location in Prague, Brussels, and Malta over the course of three weeks, Submerged was a pretty involved production, having been filmed using a full-scale 23-ton submarine set made with real steel, brass, and metal that was modeled after WWII-era vessels.

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“Significant portions of the set were built to withstand being fully submerged, and featured practical camera traps and special effects that were uniquely rigged to expose Apple Immersive Video cameras to sparks, steam, water, and fire without breaking viewers’ sense of immersion,” Apple says. “Cast members who might appear out of frame or focus in a 2D feature were meticulously scripted, and participated in extensive stunt rehearsals, including freedive training in dive tanks and open water, to maintain continuity and realism.”

Apple also showed off a five-minute behind-the-scenes video of Submerged, detailing just how the film was captured in such a confined space.

The company also revealed new episodes, films, series, and concerts captured in its Apple Immersive Video, that are slated to debut on Apple Vision Pro for free in the US later this year, with global availability to follow.

2024 NBA All-Star Weekend (October 17th)

Image courtesy Apple

Basketball fans will enjoy an immersive short film of the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, featuring the Rising Stars, the Slam Dunk contest, the first-ever NBA vs. WNBA 3-Point Challenge, “Stephen vs. Sabrina,” and highlights from the All-Star Game.

Immersive music video – The Weeknd (next month) 

Image courtesy Apple

Apple and The Weeknd will launch a breathtaking immersive music experience celebrating a brand-new song from the seven-time diamond-certified artist’s highly anticipated new album, Hurry Up Tomorrow.

Concert for One (later this year)

Image courtesy Apple

A new concert series, fans will experience intimate performances from the world’s biggest artists, beginning with a special set from the award-winning British singer-songwriter RAYE.

New Episodes of Adventure (later this year)

Image courtesy Apple

Following pioneering athletes as they take on awe-inspiring challenges. In the third episode, “Ice Dive,” available this December, viewers are invited to swim alongside freediver Ant Williams while he attempts to best his record for the longest distance under ice with just a single breath. Early next year, viewers can experience the shores of Majorca, Spain, where world-class sport climber Kai Lightner tackles his biggest challenge yet: free-solo climbing over the secluded and rocky coves, where one slip will send him into the raging sea.

Elevated Int. Debut (October 10th)

Image courtesy Apple

The first episode of this aerial travel series premieres internationally. In the first episode, “Hawai’i,” viewers will fly above volcanoes, climb up and over waterfalls, and discover untold natural wonders across the world’s longest island chain. In the second episode, “Maine,” available later this year, viewers will experience a crisp autumn in New England, with a stunning journey along winding coastlines and above breathtakingly beautiful rivers.

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Well before the first modern XR products hit the market, Scott recognized the potential of the technology and set out to understand and document its growth. He has been professionally reporting on the space for nearly a decade as Editor at Road to VR, authoring more than 4,000 articles on the topic. Scott brings that seasoned insight to his reporting from major industry events across the globe.
  • Foreign Devil

    It's going to be a very small and exclusive audience that gets to see this.

    • Arno van Wingerde

      Yes, but like the AVP itself this is more to show the possibilities of the new medium in the hands of capable creators. Yes, I wish they would release it on other sets as well, maybe some day …

  • Submerged looks cool. I hope to get my hands on a Vision Pro soon to watch it

  • Michael Speth

    There is nothing unique about the Apple Vision Pro compared to other HMDs such as the PSVR2 (OLEDs) for creating 3D movie experiences. Apple needs to bring it's propaganda to make false claims about it's products to sell you something that will work just as well elsewhere (meta is garbage with their LCDs so is not comparable for movie watching).

    Apple will of course make this exclusive because they again don't care about VR but to sell you on their future where everything you see is filtered by Apple. This is the same goal as Meta but Meta is doing it on the cheap and going after the general population (working class) while Apple is going after the business (real middle) class.