Apple Vision Pro Reviews Roundup: REMARKABLE Potential With HUGE trade-offs
Apple’s Vision Pro headset, designed to usher in the next era of computing platforms, has garnered mixed reviews from publications granted early access to this ambitious venture.
The US-only headset, announced in June of the previous year, endeavors to elevate “spatial computing” beyond the offerings of rivals like Meta and Microsoft.
With a price tag of $3,499 (approximately £2,760), the headset faces the challenge of convincing consumers and developers that it’s more than a super-expensive niche toy for tech enthusiasts.
One notable aspect of the Vision Pro is its cutting-edge display technology. Reviews suggest that Apple has made a substantial leap forward in this regard. The displays are commended for their sharpness, brightness, and color accuracy.
Apple’s meticulous calibration ensures vibrant and true-to-life colors without appearing oversaturated. The displays, although compact, deliver an immersive experience, allowing users to read text effortlessly and enjoy movies with striking clarity.
However, the reviews also highlight some limitations. While the passthrough view of the real world is deemed the best yet, concerns are raised about the field of view, which is reportedly smaller than that of competitors like the Quest 3.
This results in noticeable black borders, reminiscent of looking through binoculars. Despite these drawbacks, the display technology itself is hailed as a significant achievement.
CNBC’s Todd Haselton provides an optimistic perspective on the hardware and user experience. Watching movies in a virtual setting and streaming multiple games simultaneously are cited as standout experiences. Yet, the review reveals a potential stumbling block—the app gap.
The Vision Pro supports over a million iPhone and iPad apps, but the process of searching for each app individually could be cumbersome. Some notable apps, including Netflix, Spotify, and Google’s suite, are reportedly absent, raising concerns about the device’s compatibility with widely used applications.
The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern offers insights into the Vision Pro’s suitability for productivity. The built-in virtual keyboard allows users to type in the air, but Stern notes that this becomes impractical for longer messages.
Productivity is significantly enhanced when pairing the headset with additional hardware such as a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Connecting the Vision Pro to a MacBook Pro enables a virtual monitor setup, facilitating real work in a virtual environment.
One recurring concern is the headset’s weight. Described as an “iPad for your face,” the Vision Pro’s weight exceeds that of an 11-inch iPad Pro and approaches that of a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The metal and glass build, while providing a premium look, contributes to the overall weight, prompting users to jest about wearing an “iPad for your face.”
Mark Spoonauer of Tom’s Guide draws attention to the external battery pack, one of the less favorably reviewed aspects. The need to carry the aluminum battery pack at all times, either in a pocket or nearby, is considered inconvenient. The weight of the battery pack is likened to that of an iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the cord’s tendency to get tangled is identified as a potential drawback during immersive experiences.
Cnet’s Scott Stein offers a glimpse into the Vision Pro’s potential future applications, envisioning it as a hub for reliving personal memories through spatial videos and immersive experiences.
While praising the device’s capabilities and labeling it as a glimpse into the future, Stein acknowledges the current challenges, particularly the steep price and the limited availability of VisionOS apps at launch. He suggests trying a free demo at an Apple Store and awaiting further developments before making a purchase.
In conclusion, Apple’s Vision Pro headset has sparked significant interest and debate within the tech community. Its advancements in display technology and immersive experiences are commendable, but concerns about weight, app compatibility, and the hefty price tag underscore the challenges it faces in gaining widespread acceptance beyond a niche audience.
As the technology evolves and the app ecosystem expands, the Vision Pro may pave the way for future innovations in the realm of face-mounted computing.
