Apple’s Vision Pro, the $3,499 spatial computing headset that combines augmented reality and virtual reality, has been one of the most anticipated products of the year. But not everyone is satisfied with their purchase. According to multiple news reports and social media posts, some customers are returning their Vision Pro headsets within the two-week limit for product returns. What are the reasons behind this trend?
Vision Pro is not for everyone
One of the main reasons why some customers are returning their Vision Pro headsets is that they find the device uncomfortable, impractical, or incompatible with their lifestyle. Some users have reported experiencing headaches, motion sickness, eye strain, or fatigue after using the headset for prolonged periods. Others have complained about the weight, size, design, or battery life of the device. Some have also found the headset too isolating, as it blocks out the real world and makes it hard to interact with people nearby.
Apple has tried to address some of these issues by providing various settings, accessories, and features to customize the Vision Pro experience. For example, users can adjust the brightness, volume, focus, and immersion levels of the headset, as well as choose from different straps, lenses, and earbuds. Users can also use the digital crown dial to switch between mixed reality and full immersion modes, or use FaceTime to share their view with others. However, these options may not be enough to satisfy everyone’s preferences and needs.
Vision Pro is still a work in progress
Another reason why some customers are returning their Vision Pro headsets is that they feel the device is not ready for prime time. Despite the hype and the high price tag, the Vision Pro is still a first-generation product that has room for improvement. Some users have encountered technical glitches, bugs, or errors while using the headset, such as freezing, crashing, lagging, or disconnecting. Others have expressed disappointment with the quality, quantity, or variety of the content available for the Vision Pro, such as apps, games, movies, or shows.
Apple has acknowledged that the Vision Pro is a revolution in progress, and that it will continue to update and enhance the device over time. The company has also encouraged developers and creators to build more content and experiences for the Vision Pro, using its tools and platforms such as ARKit, RealityKit, and Swift. Apple has also promised to add more features and functionalities to the Vision Pro in the future, such as hand gestures, facial expressions, and spatial audio.
Vision Pro is not the only option
A third reason why some customers are returning their Vision Pro headsets is that they have found better or cheaper alternatives. The Vision Pro is not the only spatial computing device on the market, and it faces competition from other companies that offer similar or different products. For example, Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has its own line of VR headsets, such as the Quest 3 and the Rift S, which are more affordable and more popular than the Vision Pro. Meta also has a larger and more diverse ecosystem of content and services for its VR devices, such as the Horizon social platform, the Spark AR studio, and the Oculus Store.
Other competitors include Microsoft, which has its HoloLens 2 mixed reality headset, which is more focused on enterprise and education applications; Sony, which has its PlayStation VR headset, which is more geared towards gaming and entertainment; and HTC, which has its Vive and Cosmos VR headsets, which are more versatile and modular. These companies have also been working on improving their products and expanding their offerings, making the spatial computing market more crowded and competitive.
Vision Pro is still a success
Despite the reports of customers returning their Vision Pro headsets, the device is still a success for Apple. According to analysts, the Vision Pro has sold more than 100,000 units in its first two weeks, and is expected to sell more than half a million units by the end of the year. The Vision Pro has also received positive reviews from critics and users who have praised its innovation, performance, and potential. The Vision Pro has also generated a lot of buzz and interest in the spatial computing industry, and has inspired many developers and creators to explore the possibilities of the device.
Apple has also shown its commitment and confidence in the Vision Pro, and has stated that it is just the beginning of its spatial computing journey. The company has hinted that it is working on other devices and technologies that will complement or surpass the Vision Pro, such as smart glasses, contact lenses, or brain-computer interfaces. Apple has also said that it believes that spatial computing is the future of computing, and that it will transform the way people work, play, learn, and communicate.
