From what we saw at WWDC 2023, Apple Vision Pro looks incredibly impressive for a mixed reality headset. However, there’s a perception that the headset will replace all of your devices, such as your iPhone, MacBook, and others.
We don’t see that happening, and there are multiple valid reasons why it won’t be the only personal device in your life any time soon.
1. It’s Expensive
It’s no surprise thatthe Vision Pro is so expensive, given the advanced technology in the headset and other factors. Despite that, it still came in more costly than rumors originally stated.
For those who don’t know, the Vision Pro will be $3,499 when it goes on sale in early 2024. To put the hefty price tag into perspective, you’re able to buy an iPhone 14 Pro, an M2 MacBook Air, and an iPad Air while still spending less money than just buying the Vision Pro headset.
While the price of Apple’s future mixed reality headsets could cost less, the Vision Pro comes with a hefty price tag that is out of reach for most people. For now, purchasing an ecosystem of Apple products makes more sense logically and financially.
2. You’d Have to Wear It All the Time
The Vision Pro headset is the first device from Apple that you wear on your face, which comes with some downsides if people want to make it their only device.
For starters, having to put on and wear the headset to do basic tasks, such as answering a FaceTime call or replying to a text message, doesn’t make much sense practically. Arguably the two prominent use cases for using the Vision Pro are for operating multiple apps at once and for users to use the virtual reality features of the headset when consuming content.
Also, since the device rests on your face, it might feel uncomfortable after a while for some users. So, the Vision Pro won’t replace basic tasks for users. For that to change, we need a different version of the headset in the future that is convenient enough to wear all the time.
3. Awkward to Use in Public
Unlike using your smartphone or laptop in public, wearing the Vision Pro headset might make users feel awkward around large groups of people since it’s such a different kind of device that rests on your face.
Even though some YouTubers experienced demos and stated that using the Vision Pro doesn’t alter your vision of the real world, it still might not be the best idea to walk around with it on.
Lastly, even if theVision Pro’s EyeSight featurelooks as realistic as Apple demonstrated in its product video, some people might be put off by it since they will not actually be seeing you.
4. Not as Portable as an iPhone or iPad
Since the device is a headset, Apple Vision Pro won’t be as portable as an iPhone. You won’t be able to put it in your pocket, of course, so you would have to put it in a bag or backpack and bring it everywhere, which will probably be irritating after some time.
Until something like a pair of augmented reality glasses releases, which is not coming anytime soon, carrying around a mixed reality headset isn’t as convenient as carrying a smartphone.
5. Very Short Battery Life
The Vision Pro sports a small battery pack that you can put in your pocket instead of it being part of the headset itself, making it lighter. The headset’s incredibly advanced hardware is likely a big contributor to the poor battery life. Apple states you can get up to two hours of use when the headset is connected to the battery pack.
You can, of course, power the headset from the wall through the battery pack, but that means you’re not nearly as mobile. With the short battery life, you won’t be able to use the headset while on the go in many situations that go past two hours, such as a flight or long car rides. Meanwhile, an M2 MacBook Air can deliver up to 18 hours of battery life while watching content in the Apple TV app.
Since the product has limited battery life, you won’t be able to rely on it for extended periods while traveling, which is a significant drawback if you’re trying to make it your only device.
Apple Vision Pro Is an Additional Device, Not a Replacement
Even though the Vision Pro headset may very well be a revolutionary product that will provide a mixed reality experience like no other device, it’s hard to see it being a replacement for all the Apple devices in your life.
From its exorbitant price tag to the underwhelming battery life, it still has a long way to go before it becomes the only device you use, if ever. Even though we dislike some things about the headset, it’s still an exciting piece of technology we’re looking forward to.
