Review: Apple Vision Pro's Magic Is Short-Lived

Apple's pricey new headset ends up feeling clunky.

The new Apple Vision Pro feels like magic—for about 30 minutes. Then the awe starts to fade.

The Vision Pro is Apple's first spatial computing headset. It allows users to interact with digital elements in the real world without the need for button clicking or screen swiping. It's incredibly immersive for the user; you can't help but smile as you seem to be sitting peacefully on the lunar surface or being gently nudged by the snouts of 3D hippos.

But the amazement is unfortunately unsustainable. The device is big and clunky. Features like the eye-tracking selection tools are not always responsive, leaving you straining your eyes or desperately snapping your fingers in hopes of selecting different digital objects.

The inevitable future iterations will likely revolutionize all kinds of fields, from surgical operations to DIY projects to interpersonal communication—a reminder of the many ways for-profit consumer tech can do more than just prop up a company's bottom line. But for now, a demo at the Apple Store felt like enough time in this particular virtual world.

Comments

[Mike Parsons]

This has that 3D TV, folding smartphone vibe. Overpriced, novelty gimmick that wears thin in a couple days

[Don't look at me!]

Can you wear one while riding on “the device that will revolutionize transportation”, the Segway?

[Eeyore]

Best to wear one while riding an "IT" from Southpark.

[IceTrey]

But how is the pure VR experience? I had the Samsung VR and while the resolution was terrible the VR experience of riding in the Blue Angels cockpit or sitting courtside at an NBA game was pretty awesome. With the increase in resolution it has to be unbelievable.

[Eeyore]

For the simulation to be believable the hippos need to trample and murder you.