Apple recently unveiled its vision for the future of computing, introducing the Vision Pro—a mixed reality headset that aims to usher in a new era of technology. Priced at $3,499 and set for a U.S. release next year, it runs on the innovative visionOS.

The announcement has created a divide among viewers, unlike any previous Apple product I can recall. The company's messaging and the public's response to Vision Pro have been intriguing, especially given my own reservations about its potential.

A Divided Audience

The launch sparked two distinct groups of supporters. The first group is comprised of ardent Apple enthusiasts who view this development as the company's "iPhone moment." They believe the Vision Pro is a groundbreaking step into the mixed reality domain that will forever change how we interact with technology. Price and design quirks are secondary to them; they see a monumental achievement.

Conversely, the second group acknowledges the technical marvel of the Vision Pro but remains skeptical about its actual success. They question the practicality of using such a device in everyday life.

This division likely stems from the contrast between die-hard Apple fans and more casual observers. Both perspectives are valid; it's perfectly acceptable to be either an enthusiastic supporter or a cautious skeptic. However, it seems that those not firmly placed in either camp are not embracing the Vision Pro's potential success.

Reflections on Vision Pro's Development

While we may never know the full story behind the creation of Vision Pro and visionOS, it's clear that Apple has been working on this platform for years. The gradual integration of AR technology into their devices, alongside advancements in spatial audio, has paved the way for this headset.

The platform itself is undeniably impressive, as demonstrated by early testers who were thoroughly amazed by its capabilities. Achieving precise eye tracking and rendering text in a virtual environment are significant technical milestones that took years of research and development.

The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role, unintentionally aligning with Apple's ambitions for mixed reality. The shift to remote work created a unique opportunity for Vision Pro to shine, even if its initial demonstrations felt somewhat disconnected from the post-pandemic reality.

As society began to return to normalcy, Apple was deep in the development of Vision Pro. This commitment to a product that may take years to gain widespread acceptance raises questions about its future viability. Unlike the iPhone and Apple Watch, which launched into familiar markets, Vision Pro enters a realm where VR and AR remain largely uncharted territory for most consumers.

Diminishing Interest

As a content creator, I find that Apple products often sustain interest longer than expected. However, the immediate buzz surrounding Vision Pro has waned. The initial spike in Google Trends post-WWDC has quickly dissipated, with little follow-up content on the horizon.

Apple is not set to release Vision Pro until early next year, and only in the U.S. at first. This extended timeline, combined with limited access for developers, has left little for the public to discuss.

Until the product is available, I have no plans to create additional content about it. However, I anticipate a resurgence of interest upon its release, prompting me to consider a trip to the U.S. to experience it firsthand.

Concluding Thoughts: The Future of Vision Pro

One significant concern remains: Apple does not envision users wearing bulky headsets with limited battery life. Their goal is to evolve Vision Pro into a more compact, glasses-like device, but achieving that vision is likely many years away.

The iPhone and Apple Watch gradually transformed into the products Apple envisioned, largely because they entered established markets with a level of consumer familiarity. In contrast, Vision Pro faces uncertainty regarding developer interest and long-term investment from Apple, as it may require years of refinement to become accessible to the average user.

For now, I remain cautiously optimistic and will revisit this topic next year. In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts below!

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Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on June 16, 2023.