Review Apple Vision Pro Headset
Apple’s innovative immersive headset is now open for orders, although it carries a steep price tag.
I’ve tried Apple’s Vision Pro headset several times and am impressed by how it handles work, messages, games, and shows. Priced at $3,499, this mixed reality headset aims to be the future computer, but I’m not sure if it’s ready for my everyday use. At a recent demo, I got a chance to take a closer look at Apple’s unique approach. They are not following the same path as previous VR or AR headsets, offering different features. I’m curious about its features and also where it might be lacking, especially as someone who has been using the headset for over a decade.
Thinking about getting an Apple Vision Pro? Here’s a recap of my brief 30-minute demo with Apple. Although I haven’t done a full review, I can tell you that it might be worth the wait, especially considering the cost. However, there are also moments where it really comes across and, at times, gets a little bizarre.
Considerations on Fit
The fourth time I put on the Apple Vision Pro, I noticed a few things. The passthrough view is good, but not super clear. I even felt like my lenses had become foggy. The field of view is limited like other VR headsets, and it takes some effort to adjust the headset for a comfortable fit.
Apple offers two head straps with the Vision Pro. The ribbed solo knit band, without top support, can make the headset feel a little top-heavy. I opted for the dual loop band, which I had not used before, and it improved the balance significantly. This over-the-head strap helps distribute weight more evenly. This is in line with other similarly sized headsets like the Meta Quest 3.
I believe Apple designed the simple band for easy removal and wearing. The bands go on and off easily, and I adjusted the fit of the Dual Loop using the Velcro straps keeping the Vision Pro in place. I can comfortably wear this headset for long periods of time with the strap on, though its fit doesn’t feel much better or worse than the Meta Quest 3 I’m accustomed to wearing.
The display
Time and again, I’ve come to appreciate the Vision Pro’s standout feature: its remarkable performance. Apple is well aware of its strengths. During my exposure, I was presented with a variety of photographs, spatial videos, and video clips. Specifically, I watched the trailer for Ted Lasso in a 3D immersive setting of a volcanic landscape. Additionally, a Star Wars trailer viewed through Disney’s Vision Pro-optimized Disney Plus app transported me into an immersive environment similar to the fast ride on Tatooine. The overall experience created the sensation of a Disney-themed Star Wars drive-in encounter.
The Micro-OLED display boasts of high resolution and vivid visuals, turning movie watching into a stunning experience. Despite the attractive price of $3,499 for the private cinema, the attraction may captivate enthusiasts. Personally, the prospect of enjoying movies on this device is attractive. The audio quality, complemented by the built-in headset speakers, is impressive. Still, my curiosity about potential immersion enhancements with the upcoming lossless AirPods Pro 2 buds is piqued.
“I experimented with Jigspace, a 3D app that displays impressive high-fidelity models. While Jigspace is already available on iOS with ARKit support, my experience was enhanced by dropping a life-size F1 race car into my demo room The realism was striking, reminiscent of the Verjo XR-3 headset, but with the advantage of being a standalone headset, eliminating the need for a PC. Move around the model, interacting with components using simple finger taps. Doing so turns the experience into a captivating virtual museum, almost making me feel as if I can see intricately detailed car parts.”
Effortless Multitasking: Using a Keyboard and Siri
The Vision Pro headset technically has no defined limit on the number of apps you can have open simultaneously – a distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other VR or AR headsets, as far as I’m aware. I personally experimented with running three apps simultaneously, primarily Safari, a demo menu app, Yummy, and basic 2D applications like Photos. Navigating between them involved glancing at the menu bar and using finger gestures to rearrange or expand windows by focusing on specific corners.
Many interesting possibilities exist for the development of multitasking, especially for applications with immersive 3D elements. Apple appears to be maintaining a universal approach to navigation, emphasizing glancing at objects and using gestures like pinching and moving fingers to interact.
“Siri plays an important role in this context. I used Siri to close all application windows and initiate app launches. Additionally, I discovered the voice dictation functionality in Safari, which includes a microphone icon in the search bar.
Apple’s Vision Pro has a floating pop-up keyboard, which requires individual finger taps like an ATM or a look-and-tap approach using eye tracking. While Siri offers a faster input option, there is also the option to connect a Bluetooth keyboard, although this was not tested. The challenge of achieving authentic virtual typing in VR/AR is still unheard of, Apple still has no success in this aspect.
The seamless transitions between functions and multitasking capabilities of Vision Pro remain somewhat invisible. However, this unique characteristic may set it apart in a specific region.
Good at coordinating hands and eyes.
Apple’s integration of precise eye tracking and subtle hand gestures surpasses the functionality of headsets like the Meta Quest 2 and 3, as well as the HoloLens 2. Complex hand movements are complemented by rapid eye shifts to focus on buttons or elements that can be interacted with. Create an almost telepathic experience. While not flawless – occasionally requiring repeated glances or minor head adjustments – this can be attributed to the interface being friendly or fine-tuning the eye tracking settings.
“Having experienced Apple’s Vision Pro four times, I’m really impressed with its seamless and efficient hand-tracking system, which is better than any system I’ve seen in VR or AR. The absence of controllers makes it easier to Although sometimes missed. The immersive passthrough feature adds a surreal touch to the experience, especially in environments like Disney’s Tatooine, where my hands appear almost virtual.”
“I was pleasantly surprised by the interaction features, especially the Digital Crown on the Vision Pro headset. This versatile control not only brings the virtual environment to life but also intuitively adjusts the volume by glancing at the corresponding icon while rotating the dial. Toggles between tasks with ease, making my eyes the literal architects of reality.”
EyeSight: incredibly realistic.
Walking into a room where someone was already using a Vision Pro, I joined the conversation and saw his remarkably lifelike eyes on the EyeSight display. Vision Pro uses facial scanning to create a virtual personality for FaceTime, displaying these eyes that blink, smile and look around. The effect is a mix of animatronics and reality, with the display providing a sense of depth as if peering through authentic eyes. Although I’m undecided about my feelings towards this feature, it’s undeniable that “Formally facilitates eye contact.”
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Stay tuned for more.
This is not a comprehensive review as I have not yet used the Vision Pro outside of a controlled demo room. However, consider this an early insight into what to expect, providing a glimpse of the Vision Pro’s capabilities and limitations. The true potential of this headset will only be revealed as more applications become available and VisionOS evolves. If you’re eager to experience Apple’s broader future early, it’s available now — if your budget allows.
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