One evening, I found myself engrossed in Wim Wenders’ documentary Pina, marveling at the exquisite 3D visuals. The magic I experienced watching the film on the Apple Vision Pro was reminiscent of sitting in a theater with the performers themselves. Despite a year of use, that sense of wonder I felt that night still occasionally appears, often when enjoying films in 3D or turning the headset into a giant curved monitor for my Mac.
While the Vision Pro offers moments of enchantment, much of its potential remains untapped. For now, it serves mainly as a movie screen and a high-end portable monitor. The rest of its capabilities are largely unutilized, despite being the most advanced standalone VR/AR headset in the market. At $3,500, it’s a pricey tech showcase that hasn’t quite justified its cost for everyday use.
The Vision Pro represents a glimpse into the future of visual experiences, particularly appealing for professionals interested in areas like simulation, high-resolution 3D modeling, or iPadOS-based platform experimentation. However, for average consumer use, the device falls short.
In my daily routine, I find myself performing most VR activities—games, video calls, fitness routines—on cheaper headsets. The lack of compelling and diverse apps is a significant hurdle. Apple has introduced a few noteworthy short films, like The Weeknd’s and Edward Berger’s Submerged, but the frequency of these releases is not sufficient to make the investment worthwhile.
Apple hasn’t yet addressed the broader potential of its device. Imagine if the Maps app, already renowned for its detailed 3D landscapes, were optimized for the Vision Pro. Or what if spatial creative tools like VR versions of Final Cut or drawing/sculpting applications were developed? These could significantly enhance the device’s appeal.
Fitness, another area where VR excels, is notably absent. Meta’s Quest, with apps such as Supernatural, has become my go-to for virtual workouts. While Apple has showcased Synth Riders on Apple Arcade, which hints at what could be possible with lighter, less expensive headsets, the Vision Pro’s current form factor makes it less than ideal for fitness activities.
My initial experiences with Vision Pro indicated a successful interface.
Hardware-Free Gesture Controls and Eye-Tracking: A Success
The seamless integration of gesture controls and eye-tracking on the Vision Pro makes navigation intuitive. Glancing and pinching my fingers to open apps or scroll through content feels natural, almost like the first iPhone without a keyboard.
Over the past year, Apple has introduced additional gestures and improved shortcuts, enhancing the user experience. For example, tapping my fingers and tilting my hand to check the time or adjust the volume is a delightful feature. However, ocasional recalibration of eye-tracking and some fiddliness with specific gestures highlight areas where refinement is needed.
I wish Apple had included an optional accessory, like Sony’s ring and pointer, for more precise control. Despite these minor drawbacks, the device has effectively demonstrated the potential of hardware-free interaction.
The Best Personal Display and Movie Experience: Within Limits
When it comes to viewing movies, the Vision Pro excels as a portable theater. Apple’s audio and video offer an impressive visual experience, enhanced by the 3D format. However, the field of view is narrower than ideal, and some reflective glare appears with prescription lenses.
In curved-screen monitor mode for Macs, the Vision Pro creates a personalized work environment. Improved straps from companies like Belkin and ResMed have made wearing it more comfortable. Nevertheless, other devices are catching up, with micro OLED displays like Samsung’s Project Moohan and Sony’s headset.
The Vision Pro remains the standout for movie buffs and professionals. However, its competitive edge may wane as prices for VR technology decline and display quality improves.
Running everyday apps in XR is essential but unexciting.
Folded-In XR for Everyday Apps: Another Positive
Apple’s ability to seamlessly integrate its existing iOS apps into the Vision Pro is commendable. Meta’s Quest, in contrast, has struggled to find apps that naturally transition from Android or iOS. Google’s upcoming Android XR will offer full support for Google Play apps, while Apple can run a wide range of iOS applications on the Vision Pro.
Where are the Exciting Apps?: The Key Missing Component
After a year of use, the app ecosystem for the Vision Pro remains fragmented. The availability of immersive experiences, many of which feel random or infrequent, is not enough to make the device a must-have for everyday users.
Meta’s Quest has a thriving game library, offering various games and immersive experiences. The Vision Pro’s selection is considerably less diverse, and many of the apps are ports or simplified versions of existing titles. Apple needs to invest in developing more compelling and unique applications to fully realize the potential of its device.
Creations like spatial musical instruments or immersive 3D creative tools could transform the user experience. Apple’s current lack of such applications is a significant drawback, especially at the $3,500 price point.
Inability to Work with iPhones, Apple Watch, and iPad: A Blank Spot
One of the Vision Pro’s major limitations is its lack of integration with other Apple devices. As a standalone VR/AR headset, it does not offer the same level of connectivity as Meta’s Quest or other devices that can sync apps across various platforms.
A feature that allows the Vision Pro to work with iPhones, Apple Watches, and iPads could significantly enhance its functionality. For example, the iPhone could serve as a handheld controller, extend connected apps, or help with 3D scanning tasks. Similarly, the Apple Watch could provide haptic feedback, handle gestures, or sync health data for apps like meditation or fitness routines.
Integration with the iPad as a portable keyboard or touchscreen extension could also improve usability, mirroring the way Macs are used with the device now.
The Vision Pro ($3,500) beside Xreal One’s display glasses ($500). Different products, but Xreal offers a quality wearable display at a fraction of the cost. Meta’s hardware is also much cheaper.
Potential for a Price Cut: Essential for Broader Appeal
The Vision Pro’s price tag of $3,500 is steep, even for high-end technology enthusiasts. Convincing individuals to invest in such an expensive device is challenging, especially when alternatives like the $500 Quest 3 are available.
To make the device more appealing, Apple needs to consider a price reduction or increase the also justify its value through more functionalities. Alternatively, developing a smaller, lighter version that still retains advanced features could broaden its appeal to casual users.
Competition from other tech giants like Google and Meta adds pressure for Apple to innovate and improve its offering. The Vision Pro needs to offer unique and compelling experiences to justify its price in the crowded VR/AR market.
Conclusion: Vision Pro’s Future
The Apple Vision Pro is a groundbreaking device that offers magical experiences, especially in movie viewing and curved-screen monitor mode. However, its broader appeal is limited by a fragmented app ecosystem and lack of integration with other Apple devices.
Apple has demonstrated the potential of hardware-free gesture controls and eye-tracking, which are significant advancements in VR technology. For the device to truly shine, Apple needs to invest in developing more diverse and compelling applications, address integration with iPhones, Apple Watches, and iPads, and consider price adjustments or alternative form factors.
The Vision Pro has the potential to exceed current offerings in the market, particularly as competition from Android XR and other VR headsets intensifies. With more innovation and strategic moves, Apple could turn the Vision Pro into a must-have device for everyone, not just professionals.
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