Apple Vision Pro Review: The Beginning of the Spatial Computing Era

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The highly anticipated launch of the Apple Vision Pro marks a significant milestone in the evolution of mixed reality technology. This comprehensive review delves deeper into the headset’s groundbreaking features, design, and the philosophical trade-offs it presents. Apple’s entry into the spatial computing realm with the Vision Pro is a bold statement, positioning the device as more than just a VR headset but as a comprehensive computing platform capable of running apps in a spatial environment.

From the outset, the Vision Pro exudes luxury and attention to detail, hallmark traits of Apple products. The premium packaging, complete with a travel case and a high-quality polishing cloth, sets the stage for a superior user experience. The build quality and design of the Vision Pro immediately impress, reflecting Apple’s dedication to craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal.

The seamless setup process, particularly the effortless pairing with an iPhone, underscores the Vision Pro’s integration into Apple’s ecosystem, a key aspect of its design philosophy. However, the weight of the headset raises questions about comfort during extended use.

The Vision Pro stands out in the VR headset market with its premium construction, utilizing magnesium, carbon fiber, and an aluminum enclosure. Its design language echoes familiar Apple products, including the iPhone 6, AirPods Max, and Apple Watch, packaging cutting-edge technology in an instantly recognizable form. Contrary to the bulky VR headsets of the past decade, the Vision Pro’s more compact design is noted for its sophistication and relative portability.

A key feature of the Vision Pro is its front display, designed to project the wearer’s eyes to the outside world, aiming to maintain a connection with real-world interactions. However, the execution is met with mixed reactions. The display, while a marvel in marketing, often appears dim and low-res in practical use, with the reflective glass making it challenging to see the eyes clearly in most lighting conditions. The intention behind this design — to enable eye contact and reduce the isolation typically associated with VR headsets — faces practical limitations, leading to a somewhat eerie and disconnected experience.

The Vision Pro is powered by an M2 processor and Apple’s new R1 spatial co-processor, with a cooling system that keeps the device from overheating without noticeable noise. The device includes two types of headbands and various light seals for comfort customization, although the headset’s weight is a notable concern for extended use. The external battery, a compromise to reduce the headset’s weight, offers about two and a half hours of battery life, underscoring the device’s design trade-offs.

Running visionOS, based on iPadOS, the Vision Pro offers an extensive app library from the get-go, a significant advantage over its competitors. The OS allows for a highly customizable experience with free-floating windows, supporting apps from three different operating systems: native visionOS apps, iPad apps, and a connection to a Mac for an additional display. However, the Vision Pro’s approach to spatial computing and AR is more constrained, with few true AR interactions and a focus on MR (mixed reality) and VR experiences.

Apple’s Vision Pro is an extraordinary leap into the future of spatial computing, showcasing impeccable design and a potential new direction for personal computing. However, it also highlights significant trade-offs that users must consider, from its high price point to the solitary nature of its use. As the technology evolves and the ecosystem around visionOS expands, the Vision Pro could redefine our expectations for virtual and mixed reality. Yet, for now, it represents a fascinating glimpse into the future, with practical limitations that remind us of the challenges still to overcome in making spatial computing a part of our daily lives.

As the Vision Pro continues to evolve, with expected software updates and an expanding range of compatible apps, it is poised to transform the landscape of mixed reality technology. The Vision Pro is not merely a new product but a harbinger of the future, offering a glimpse into how mixed reality can reshape our interactions with the digital world.