At Apple’s WWDC event back in June 2023, they announced their new “spatial computing” (intentionally avoiding the term “virtual reality”) headset at the steep cost of $3,500. They showed off many uses of the headset, including work, entertainment, and quality of life. Preorders for the Vision Pro opened in late January, and it became officially available in early February. The public has differing opinions on the headset. The following are the most prominent compliments and complaints.
Complaint: The Price
Because it’s a first-generation product from Apple, a company known for its high prices, the Apple Vision Pro is not cheap. The Vision Pro starts at $3,500 and gets more expensive as you add things such as storage, prescription inserts, and memory. Some arguments can be used to justify the high price; it is still a lot of money, nonetheless.
Compliment: The Tracking
One of the biggest features of the Vision Pro is that there are no controllers – you use eye and hand tracking to control the device. When it was first introduced, people were concerned about how well the tracking would work. In reviews from technology reviewers on YouTube, one of the biggest compliments about the device was that the eye tracking and hand tracking worked extremely well. Furthermore, in a review by Marques Brownlee, a well-known technology YouTuber, he noted that “[the headset] seems to have incredible spatial position lock… turn around in the room you’re in, and picture a wall or a window just appearing locked in place in 3D space in your room, and no matter how much you move your head, it stays exactly kind of floating where it’s supposed to be…”
Complaint: The Weight
The Vision Pro weighs around 1.3 to 1.4 pounds, depending on the configuration. Although this doesn’t sound like a lot, many people who have tried the headset for long periods have complained about the weight, especially due to how it is distributed. Although the Vision Pro weighs less than its competitor (The Meta Quest Pro), the Vision Pro is very front-heavy due to the battery pack being separate from the headset. This makes wearing it very uncomfortable.
Compliment: Software
There are two types of software for the Apple Vision Pro. IOS and iPad OS apps that have been made to work with the Vision Pro, and apps that have been specifically designed for the Vision Pro and utilize all of its features. The latter is what’s most impressive. For example, “JigSpace”, which allows you to view complex and realistic 3D models right in your living room, and “Disney Plus+”, which gives you the most immersive way to experience some of Disney’s best content.
Overall, the Apple Vision Pro has very good qualities, but also some bad qualities. But it’s important to remember that this is Apple’s first attempt at something like this, which makes it all the more impressive.
