For those who aren’t typically early adopters, the Apple Vision Pro is something unique, offering a bold leap into spatial computing. Despite its few imperfections, this headset is an impressive, forward-looking device with immense potential. Here’s a detailed look at its design, usability, features, and whether it’s worth investing in.
Design and Set-Up: Aesthetics and Comfort
As expected from Apple, the Vision Pro boasts a sleek design, with high-quality laminated glass and aluminum, making it arguably the most stylish headset on the market. It includes two headband options—the Solo Knit Band for a lighter fit and the Dual Loop Band for better weight distribution during longer use. The light seals provide added comfort and help create an immersive experience.
Users who wear prescription glasses will need to use Zeiss prescription lenses, an optional but highly recommended upgrade, to maximize clarity. With an intuitive setup, Vision Pro connects easily to its battery pack, and within moments, apps appear around the user in virtual space, giving a seamless blend of the digital and real worlds.
The Vision Pro Experience: Powerful Interactivity
Once set up, the Vision Pro’s external cameras provide a clear view of the world around you, eliminating the feeling of being isolated. In the setup, you create a “Persona,” a custom avatar for video calls. Good lighting is essential here to avoid distorted facial renderings.
Interacting with Vision Pro quickly becomes second nature, as it recognizes even subtle hand gestures while resting on your lap. The interface is highly intuitive, allowing users to navigate with ease as they become familiar with its advanced features.
What Can You Use Vision Pro For?
Much like the early days of the iPad, there’s a question of purpose: is it for entertainment, creativity, productivity, or all three? The answer is clear—it’s a blend. The Vision Pro supports productivity through its virtual keyboard and Bluetooth keyboard compatibility, creating a more immersive work environment.
For entertainment, it offers breathtakingly immersive movie viewing, gaming, and the option to enter distraction-free environments. With a turn of the Digital Crown-like dial, users can switch between partial and full virtual settings, whether it’s a serene view of Yosemite or a lunar landscape.
Video calls are an entirely new experience, as Vision Pro avatars replicate facial expressions and lip-syncing with stunning accuracy. For those who enjoy immersive media, the Vision Pro’s ability to play 3D spatial videos adds an emotional touch, transforming personal memories into lifelike experiences. Additionally, a dinosaur interaction app is a fun showcase, demonstrating Vision Pro’s ability to react to the user’s presence.
For movie lovers, the Vision Pro’s big-screen experience rivals a traditional cinema, offering immersive visuals that transport you into a private theater.
The App Ecosystem
Vision Pro has over 2,500 dedicated apps, including iPad apps that function well in the headset’s virtual space. The ever-growing app library continually expands the Vision Pro’s functionality. Guest mode also makes it easy for others to experience the headset firsthand.
Downsides and Verdict
The Vision Pro isn’t without its flaws. The headset starts to feel a bit heavy after extended sessions, although this fades with continued use. The battery life is around two hours, which is adequate for most uses, and users can plug it in at home for uninterrupted sessions.
Final Verdict
The Vision Pro is more than just a headset—it’s a new way to engage with technology, offering a vast array of uses from browsing and gaming to productivity and immersive media experiences. While the price may seem high, the value is evident given the immersive experiences it enables. With updates like visionOS 2 on the horizon and a growing app ecosystem, now is a great time to consider joining the next wave of spatial computing.
