Techies Are Returning Their Apple Vision Pro Headsets. Here’s Why.
The Apple Vision Pro isn’t giving some techies a perfect 20-20 experience.
The hotly anticipated VR headset, which rolled out stateside on February 2, has received mixed reviews from the press. (The New York Times said the device lacked “polish and purpose,” while CNET called it both “spectacular” and “unfinished.”) Everyday tech enthusiasts are now weighing in on social media, with some saying they are sending back the Vision Pro as they’re unhappy with it.
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Comfort seems to be the main reason for return, with some users claiming the headset causes headaches, eye strain, and motion sickness. Brian X. Chen of the Times also said he felt “nauseated” during a trial run. The weight of the headset, which Apple says is between 21.2 and 22.9 ounces, has been another complaint: The Verge‘s product manager even thought that using the hefty device led to a burst blood vessel in his eye.
“Can’t wait to return the Vision Pro, probably the most mind-blowing piece of tech I’ve ever tried,” a self-proclaimed tech influencer with the handle @RjeyTech wrote on X. “Can’t deal with these headaches after 10 minutes of use though.”
Can’t wait to return the Vision Pro, probably the most mind blowing piece of tech I’ve ever tried.
Can’t deal with these headaches after 10 minutes of use though.— Rjey (@RjeyTech) February 14, 2024
It is worthwhile pointing out that our unique physical features result in varied experiences with wearable technologies. For example, having a low nose bridge might mean the headset slips or does not sit flush on the face.
It’s not just the hardware, though. Some users are also dissatisfied with the Vision Pro’s features. Alexander Torrenegra, the CEO of employment website Torre, said the headset doesn’t have anything in it that he would use frequently. A Reddit user also shared a post stating, “If I’m not using this for productivity, and if I don’t love it for entertainment, and if there aren’t enough games to play on it—I just can’t justify keeping it.”
Two hours after unboxing my Apple Vision Pro and using it, I decided to box it back up again and return it. It's quite cool, but there's nothing in it for me that I'll use frequently enough to warrant my keeping it.
— Alexander Torrenegra (@torrenegra) February 13, 2024
Other techies complained about functionality. “It’s difficult to multitask between ‘windows,’” Carter Gibson, a senior manager at Google, shared via Threads. “Several file types simply aren’t supported on the Vision Pro.”
To recap, the headset comes outfitted with 12 cameras, five sensors, and a 4K display in each eye to bring augmented reality to life. It also includes Apple’s first 3-D camera, which allows you to take both spatial photos and videos. There are already rumors of a Vision Pro 2, but Apple has not shared any details regarding the successor. Interestingly, many of the recent returners said they’d be eager to try a second-gen Vision Pro. In the meantime, it is worthwhile remembering that Apple allows you to return any product within 14 days of purchase.
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