Apple is making a bold move in the world of immersive entertainment by bringing its first full-length documentary to the Vision Pro headset. Titled Stories of Surrender, this cinematic experience features U2’s iconic frontman, Bono, as he takes audiences on a journey through his life, music, and personal stories. Set to premiere on May 30, 2025, the documentary will be available on both Apple TV+ and the Vision Pro headset.
A Revolutionary Documentary Experience
Unlike traditional films, Stories of Surrender offers viewers a completely new way to experience a documentary. Shot in 180-degree 8K video and paired with Spatial Audio, the film immerses the audience directly into Bono’s world. This unique format places viewers at the center of his one-man stage show, giving them the feeling of being right on stage with him. The result is a deeply personal and interactive viewing experience that goes beyond simply watching a movie.
The documentary features a mix of live performances by U2, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and a blend of music and storytelling. Apple describes it as a “vivid reimagining” of Bono’s stage performance, designed to fully showcase the potential of the Vision Pro headset in delivering immersive entertainment.
Apple and U2: A History of Collaboration
Apple’s partnership with U2 goes back over two decades, starting in 2004 with the release of a special edition U2 iPod. Although the collaboration faced some controversy in 2014 when Apple automatically added U2’s Songs of Innocence album to users’ iTunes libraries, the two companies have maintained a strong relationship. Bono addressed the 2014 incident in his memoir Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story, which serves as the inspiration for Stories of Surrender.
Vision Pro’s Expansion into Long-Form Content
While the Vision Pro headset has gained attention for its immersive short-form content, such as the 16-minute submarine drama Submerged, Stories of Surrender marks a significant step forward for the device. With a limited selection of long-form content until now, this documentary is set to expand Vision Pro’s entertainment library.
Apple’s commitment to producing high-quality, immersive films suggests that it is serious about positioning the Vision Pro as a key player in the entertainment space. With the launch of Stories of Surrender, the Vision Pro’s future in immersive storytelling looks more promising than ever.