As the much-anticipated Apple Vision Pro made its debut on February 2nd, enthusiasts eagerly queued up at Apple Stores, eager to explore the state-of-the-art domain of mixed reality. Initial reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the device’s spatial computing capabilities that promised to redefine immersive experiences. However, nearly two weeks after its release, a surprising trend is emerging – a growing number of Apple Vision Pro buyers are returning their headsets and the reasons behind this unexpected turn warrant scrutiny.
Design Dilemma of Apple Vision Pro – The Clunky Conundrum
For some Vision Pro customers, the return stems from dissatisfaction with the device’s design. Farzad Mesbahi, a tech content creator known for his YouTube videos, expressed his reservations about the device’s clunkiness. While acknowledging the comfort factor when worn correctly, he highlighted the inconvenience of having a device strapped to his head and face, making it unsuitable for prolonged use compared to traditional gadgets like smartphones or tablets. Collin Michael, a self-proclaimed Apple enthusiast, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the noticeable weight of the headset, which he deemed burdensome for everyday tasks like browsing or searching.
Disappointment in vision quality emerged as a notable grievance among Vision Pro users. Mesbahi raised concerns about the device’s ability to overlay virtual apps on a user’s line of vision, describing it as suboptimal for clear observation of surroundings. He noted persistent graininess in various lighting conditions, especially when focusing on real objects such as computers or iPhones. Michael added that the need to turn his head to navigate the screen was exacerbated by distracting black edges, diminishing the overall user experience.
The dissatisfaction extended to the functionality of the headset. Users like Kane Sutter, a YouTuber, expressed skepticism about the limited range of experiences offered by the Vision Pro, citing insufficient diversity in content to justify the steep $3,500 price tag. Matt Schneider, a Vision Pro customer, admitted to purchasing the headset with the intention of returning it, emphasizing that the existing features didn’t warrant the hefty investment despite enjoying casual activities like scrolling through Instagram or watching YouTube.
Enthusiasm Amid Criticism and Apple’s Response
Despite the criticisms and the surge in return requests, Mesbahi, Michael, and Sutter maintain a degree of enthusiasm for Apple’s forward-looking vision and the headset’s capabilities. They express a willingness to revisit the device in the future, provided technological advancements address the current shortcomings. However, Apple’s response to these concerns remains undisclosed, with the tech giant yet to address the criticisms or provide information on the number of returns made.
In the era of mixed reality, the fate of the Apple Vision Pro hangs in the balance, subject to both technological refinement and user feedback. As users return their headsets, the ball is now in Apple’s court to respond to these challenges and steer the course of their ambitious venture in the domain of mixed reality.
Read more: Apple to Transition Away from the Iconic Silent Switch
