Apple's Vision Pro is costly and faces the same VR headset hurdles
Washington PostJun 06, 2023
On Monday, Apple unveiled its first augmented reality (AR) headset in its first major hardware launch since the introduction of the iPhone about a decade ago.
According to Apple CEO Tim Cook, the "spatial computing" device can be used to play video games and watch movies on large "virtual" screens as well as help teams collaborate on multiple video calls.
While the new headset may seamlessly blend the real and the virtual world, as Apple claims, Vision Pro's hefty cost, clunky design, separate wired battery pack, and narrow range of applications are likely to deter even wealthy buyers. The fact that the much-awaited announcement did not excite Wall Street shows Vision Pro may not immediately be a big hit.
Skepticism aside, Vision Pro is revolutionary as it can replace your TV, laptop, high-end camera, and smartphone. It may be tempting to judge Apple's latest offering, but the headset could be a highly advanced wearable system adorned with valuable features that can change how we work and play — using only our voice, eyes, and hands.
The iPhone manufacturer is entering an emerging field where rivals have, up until now, yet to excite consumers. Moreover, there needs to be more evidence of a big market for wearable tech. Vision Pro may be the most advanced consumer-available VR headset ever, but because it will most likely fail to appeal to the general public, chances are it will soon vanish into oblivion.
There's a 67% chance that there will be more VR headset sales than AR headsets sales in 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.