The Apple Vision Pro, with its $3,500 price tag, hits its two-week launch anniversary today, coinciding with the last chance for early buyers to return their devices. This period has seen a noteworthy amount of returns, spotlighting the challenges within the high-end headset market.
There’s a discussion about the reasons to retain the Vision Pro amidst widespread user returns. The anticipation of future software updates, including visionOS 2, and the rollout of new apps are key factors in its continued appeal. A standout feature is its unparalleled movie-watching experience, offering a personal cinema environment that effectively blocks out the outside world, making 3D films particularly immersive.
However, the device could benefit from improvements to enhance work productivity. Features like support for multiple displays and mouse compatibility would be significant upgrades, especially for those who travel. Currently, input is managed through the Magic Keyboard and Trackpad, which, while adequate, suggests there’s potential for a more seamless interaction.
The headset faces criticisms for its comfort over long periods, battery life, and its inability to maintain a charge when not in use. The air keyboard provides a challenging typing experience, the Personas feature needs refining to feel less unsettling, the range of apps falls short of being revolutionary, and Guest Mode has been poorly received. These aspects contribute to an understanding of the device’s return rate.
This mix of feedback highlights the current state of high-end headsets and points to areas needing attention for future advancements. The Apple Vision Pro, priced at $3,500, reaches its two-week launch anniversary today, which also marks the deadline for early adopters to return their units. A significant number of users are reportedly opting to return the device, highlighting the broader challenges within the high-end headset market. Interestingly, Mark Zuckerberg has also entered the discussion, offering insights as a gadget reviewer.
A primary factor is the anticipation of Apple‘s ongoing developments, including visionOS 2 and the introduction of new apps, which enhance the device’s appeal. A major highlight is Vision Pro’s unmatched movie-watching experience, providing a personal cinema environment that excellently isolates viewers, making 3D films particularly captivating.
Nonetheless, there’s potential for improvement, especially in making the Vision Pro more conducive to work. Enhancements like multiple Mac display support and mouse compatibility would greatly benefit users, especially those frequently on the move. For now, the Magic Keyboard and Trackpad serve as adequate input options, though there’s room for a more integrated experience.
The device has its drawbacks, including limited comfort for extended use, poor battery life, and issues with holding a charge when inactive. The air keyboard offers a subpar touch-typing experience, Personas require fine-tuning to reduce their creepiness, the current app ecosystem lacks groundbreaking applications, and Guest Mode is significantly flawed. These factors contribute to the understanding of why there’s a notable return rate.
This feedback underscores the evolving state of high-end headsets and highlights areas where improvements are necessary for future success.
