The Unfiltered Truth About Apple's Vision Pro: A Deep Dive
Written on
Chapter 1: The Dawn of a New Computing Era
It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly two weeks since Apple unveiled what they envision as the future of computing. Dubbed ‘spatial computing,’ this ambitious concept is centered around the company’s inaugural mixed reality headset. The device, which I will refer to as a mixed reality headset (given the ongoing debate over its classification as VR or AR), comes with a hefty price tag of $3,499 and is set to launch in the US next year. It operates on a brand-new operating system called visionOS.
The announcement has divided my audience more than any other Apple product that I can remember. I find the company’s marketing strategy and the audience's responses to be utterly compelling—especially since I hold my own reservations about the Vision Pro.
A Warning to Readers: Depending on your perspective, you may find my upcoming views hard to digest.
Section 1.1: Two Divided Camps
The unveiling of the Vision Pro instantly created two opposing camps. The first group consists of individuals who immediately embraced Tim Cook’s vision for a new computing era. For these enthusiasts, this represents their long-awaited moment—akin to Cook's 'iPhone moment.' Apple’s entry into the mixed reality domain has made it comprehensible, and they believe this technology will revolutionize everything. They dismiss concerns about the steep price and peculiar design, insisting that Apple has it all figured out.
Conversely, the second group acknowledges the impressive technical achievements of the Vision Pro team but remains skeptical about its future success. They urge caution, questioning the practicality of using such a device in everyday settings.
This split in opinion is quite evident. It highlights the distinction between die-hard Apple fans and casual observers. There’s no issue with being a fervent supporter of a brand or adopting a more cautious stance. However, I suspect that those outside these factions may not be celebrating the Vision Pro's anticipated success.
Section 1.2: Reflections on the Vision Pro's Development
We may never uncover the full story behind the creation of Vision Pro and visionOS—unless someone pens a tell-all book—but I can offer a conjecture. It's apparent that Apple has been working on this platform for many years. The gradual integration of AR technology into iPhones and iPads was a precursor to the recent announcement. The focus on spatial audio and Dolby Atmos in Apple’s audio offerings further supports this timeline.
The platform they've constructed is undeniably remarkable. Although I haven’t had the chance to experience it firsthand, the feedback from those who have tested it seems overwhelmingly positive; they are clearly impressed by the Vision Pro's capabilities.
Creating precise eye tracking for user interface navigation and accurately rendering text in a virtual environment poses considerable technical challenges. Years of labor have gone into developing this platform.
And then came COVID-19. This unprecedented global event was a dreadful period for everyone, yet it coincided perfectly with Apple’s mixed reality ambitions. As the world shifted to remote work, the Vision Pro’s purpose became clear.
Chapter 2: Navigating Post-Pandemic Reality
Apple's demonstrations of Vision Pro felt distinctly influenced by the pandemic, showcasing individuals using the device in isolation or within sparsely populated workspaces. Yes, there was that one person re-watching slightly unsettling videos from his child's birthday party—all by himself.
As the pandemic’s grip loosened and society began to return to normalcy, Apple was deeply engaged in developing the Vision Pro. While people gradually resumed regular interactions, Tim Cook had to continue his focus on the project.
This scenario leaves Apple with a substantial investment in a product that seems years away from widespread acceptance. In a peculiar twist, it almost feels like the moment has passed. Unlike the iPhone or Apple Watch—both of which emerged from a foundation of familiarity—VR and AR remain largely unfamiliar and expensive to most consumers.
Consequently, the Vision Pro appears to be a significant gamble.
Waning Interest in the Vision Pro
As a content creator, I’ve found that most of Apple’s products can sustain interest longer than expected. The iPhone may have the least longevity, but there’s always room for comparisons with competing products and ongoing reviews.
In contrast, the excitement surrounding Apple Vision Pro has rapidly diminished. Take a look at this Google Trends graph from the past month:
The spike in interest occurred right after WWDC, followed by a swift decline. This drop shouldn’t be surprising; the Vision Pro won’t be released until early next year and only in the US initially. The absence of a concrete release date, coupled with the fact that only developers will have access to the platform until then, leaves little to discuss.
I have no immediate plans to create more content regarding Vision Pro until its release. In fact, this may be the last I write about it for a while. However, I anticipate that interest will surge once it becomes available, prompting me to consider a trip to the States for a firsthand experience.
For now, I’ll be focusing on traditional computing—whatever that means.
Wrapping Up: The Distant Dystopian Future
One significant concern looms large. Apple does not want users to don large ski goggles with oversized googly eyes. They aim to eliminate the frustration of a two-hour battery life tethered to an awkward battery pack. Just as they addressed the issues of bulky bezels on the original iPhone and subpar battery life on the first Apple Watch, they want the Vision Pro to evolve into something as unobtrusive as a standard pair of glasses. However, that reality is still many years away.
The iPhone and Apple Watch gradually transformed into the products Apple envisioned. Their initial success stemmed from being appealing, sensibly priced, and entering markets that were established yet lacked innovative, user-friendly options.
The future of Apple Vision Pro remains uncertain. We cannot predict how developers will respond to it or how much patience Apple’s board and investors will have for a product that requires potentially a decade of refinement to become accessible to the general public.
I remain cautiously optimistic about this venture and will revisit the topic... next year.
In the meantime, I welcome your thoughts below!
Before You Leave
Join my Substack newsletter for tips on becoming a successful and fulfilled online creator! My writing is just a glimpse of what I share on Medium. As a paying member, I highly recommend it. Click here to join (a portion of your membership fee will directly support my work!).