Last year, Apple announced the Vision Pro mixed reality headset. Just like everything else with Apple, there was a whole fancy and appealing segment about the product. Apple said they would launch it in 2024 for the masses, and in February 2024, they did.
However, the hype around the product has since been decreasing steadily, and most people are bored with it already. In fact, many reports highlight that the first batch of users have been returning their Apple Vision Pro headsets in the 14-day return window.
So what exactly went wrong(as of now) for the Apple Vision Pro headset, and why are people already bored with it? Let’s take a deeper dive.
Why are People Bored with the Apple Vision Pro Already?
It is quite evident that the Apple Vision Pro headset didn’t receive the kind of response that they were expecting. For sure, it is a revolutionary technology and has some excellent implications.
We did see an Indian surgeon using the Apple Vision Pro headset in a live bariatric surgery. However, these kinds of implications are quite niche.
If we talk about the general consumers, the Apple Vision Pro isn’t that kind of a hit. Here are some potential reasons why people are bored with the Apple Vision Pro:
It’s Still Early Technology
If you look at the Apple Vision Pro headset promo, it is truly breathtaking and seems something out of this world. However, this is still one of the earliest products in the world of mixed reality.
A perfect analogy to understand this would be computers. Back in the 90s, Computers seemed like science fiction, but they were too big and too expensive for the masses. However, with time, we now have thin and light laptops and smartphones that have enormous computing power.
Similarly, the Vision Pro headset is still in its early stages, so there is plenty of room for improvement. Users have numerous complaints about the technology behind this headset.
For example, eye-tracking functions, which are marketed as a critical component for intuitive interaction, can be taxing and cause weariness. The writing thus appears grainy in comparison to Apple’s usual Retina displays, which is a serious deficiency given the price point.
Furthermore, the system stutters during basic tasks, breaking the idea of a smooth and flawless experience. Early reviewers expressed discomfort with the MacBook’s connection failing suddenly and the cursor reacting slowly. These flaws erode the user’s confidence and show the technology’s immaturity.
Lack of Content
Apple touted a thriving ecosystem of apps and experiences waiting to be discovered in Vision Pro’s mixed-reality world. The truth, however, is significantly less appealing. While watching films with a headset is unquestionably immersive, the novelty wears off soon.
The present app and video content selection are disappointing, making the Vision Pro feel more like a glorified personal cinema – and an expensive one. There are a few bright spots, including Blackbox, a 3D puzzle app, and Wisp World, a weird AI-speaking creature game.
However, these products are but a drop in a large content desert. Where are the cutting-edge productivity tools that smoothly combine the digital and physical worlds?
Where are the collaborative experiences that push the boundaries of communication and interaction? These features remain elusive, leaving early adopters feeling like they’ve been sold a dream with little substance.
Not Really Comfortable
There is no good way to put it, but the Apple Vision Pro headset is quite heavy. So, the first challenge customers face is the Vision Pro itself. Weighing more than a pound, it feels more like a heavy piece of gym equipment than cutting-edge headgear.
The initial excitement rapidly wears off as users deal with pressure spots and pain produced by a poorly built light seal that leaks light and pinches the face.
Online forums are packed with complaints about headaches and eye strain, making the immersive experience a test of endurance. While some have turned to 3D-printed modifications and aftermarket light seal choices, these are hardly ideal solutions for a luxury product costing $3,500.
Overall, users are unable to wear this headset for over two hours without getting eye strain, neck strain, and other issues that come with it. Since it causes so much physical strain, people tend to get bored of it quickly.
Isolated World
In a way, the Apple Vision Pro headset is genuinely amazing. You put it on and view a 3D movie or a space video. The experience is certainly incredible, but it is not without drawbacks. The Vision Pro’s immersive nature creates a key challenge: isolation.
Imagine trying to share a fantastic VR experience with a friend and being faced with a blank stare because they are unable to see what you are seeing.
While FaceTime discussions offer a limited answer, fully shared mixed-reality experiences are still a work in progress. This isolation factor may make people feel disconnected from the actual world and trapped in their own tiny worlds.
One early user said it best: “Using the Apple Vision Pro is like putting on a pair of headphones. Once it’s on, you’re isolated, immersed, lonely.” In a world increasingly focused on connectivity, Vision Pro urges consumers oppositely. This is not something people are ready for as of now.
It is Quite Expensive
Many Apple users are already accustomed to Apple’s premium pricing. However, most of their tech products do justify the price. However, that is different in the case of the Vision Pro headset.
At a staggering $3,500, the Vision Pro is a significant investment, even for early adopters accustomed to Apple’s premium pricing. Even the most devoted Apple fans are disappointed when promised additions and functionality fail to materialize.
The appeal of cutting-edge technology fades rapidly when the user experience feels like a beta test. According to reports, some consumers returned the headset since they couldn’t justify the high cost for such restricted features.
Others admitted they were initially sold on the novelty and wanted to experience the hype firsthand, ultimately taking advantage of the generous 14-day return window.
So, What Now?
Now, we know many reasons why users are bored with the Apple Vision Pro headset. Apple might have overestimated the technology and features of the Vision Pro, and people are still not in the phase of adopting mixed-reality headsets. With such an expensive price tag, it fails to deliver the premium experience people expect in many areas.
However, there might be a silver lining in this situation since we know that the product isn’t performing well. There is a high chance that we will see a significant price drop from Apple for the Vision Pro headset as it’s not a hot-selling item. Also, we might see some good changes in the next version addressing all the concerns.
Overall, we might see a new version of the Apple Vision Pro, which is more affordable, comfortable, and advanced in terms of technology.
The Apple Vision Pro isn’t the revolution it promised to be. For now, it’s a niche product with a hefty price tag and limited functionality.
The million-dollar issue remains: will Apple respond to critiques and improve the Vision Pro? Will it slip into obscurity as a cautionary story of overhype and underperformance? Only time will tell.
However, one thing is certain: the future of mixed reality is dependent on businesses that can offer comfortable, content-rich experiences that span the digital and physical worlds. The Apple Vision Pro may not be the answer, but it is a step toward a genuinely immersive future.
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