Three days into using Apple’s Vision Pro, I’ve adjusted to its spatial computing environment. The once elusive navigation buttons now feel intuitive, my partner has grown accustomed to the EyeSight feature, and my initial neck discomfort is diminishing. While it’s still too early to definitively say if the Vision Pro justifies its price tag—a verdict likely years away—I’ve gathered some key observations from my weekend deep dive into Apple’s revolutionary device, distilled into three main insights.
The real gem of Vision Pro isn’t found in the App Store
The question of Vision Pro’s “killer app” has lingered since its announcement. My conclusion, after days of exploration, may be unexpected. It’s not about individual apps like Zoom Personas, ChatGPT, or virtual DJing. The standout is the cohesive ecosystem enveloping Vision Pro. The ease of AirDropping spatial videos from an iPhone, the seamless integration with my MacBook, and the fluid transition of my mouse cursor between my Mac and Vision OS’s floating windows have been eye-openers. Coupled with immersive video experiences via AirPods Pro, it’s easy to see Vision Pro as a natural extension of Apple’s ecosystem, offering a seamless and intuitive user experience.
Vision Pro’s hardware: A glimpse into the future
The Vision Pro feels like a futuristic marvel crafted with today’s materials. Its design—from the sleek curvature of the glass to the sophisticated blend of fabrics and textures, down to the precision of its eye and hand tracking sensors—showcases Apple’s design excellence. Despite minor issues with weight distribution and the Light Seal’s tendency to detach (leading to inevitable smudges), the hardware impresses. However, it’s the software where the “first generation” challenges emerge. From disappearing windows to underdeveloped app functionalities, Vision OS 1.0 leaves room for improvement, with hopes pinned on upcoming updates.
The integration of physical accessories remains on my wishlist. While the Vision Pro adeptly handles hand tracking, it fails to visually incorporate external devices like the Magic Keyboard, limiting the full potential of spatial computing for tasks such as email. Other minor frustrations include the absence of a dark mode in certain apps, a rigid home screen layout, and the lack of microphone support for screen recordings—features I hope to see in future updates.
The isolation of spatial computing
Wearing the Apple Vision Pro can feel isolating, akin to donning a pair of headphones that cut you off from your surroundings. While I’m optimistic that this sense of solitude in spatial computing will diminish over time—as VR becomes more integrated into our daily wear, as we adapt to interacting physically despite the barrier, and as more social VR experiences emerge—the current reality falls short of Apple’s vision for seamless integration into our social lives. Experiencing spatial videos or 3D movies on the Vision Pro is profoundly personal and superior in many ways, yet it’s an experience currently confined to the wearer alone.
