The Apple Vision Pro launched with significant fanfare earlier this year as Apple's first foray into spatial computing. Despite the excitement surrounding its release, many early adopters who paid the premium price tag are now experiencing significant buyer's remorse, raising questions about the future of Apple's mixed-reality ambitions.
The Weight of Regret
The Vision Pro's physical weight has become a literal burden for many users. Weighing between 600 to 650 grams, the headset is significantly heavier than competing products on the market, causing neck strain and discomfort after relatively short usage periods. Multiple owners reported being unable to wear the device for more than 30-60 minutes without experiencing physical discomfort. Dustin Fox, a realtor who initially purchased the Vision Pro hoping it would help with his work, found himself limited to brief 20-30 minute sessions before neck pain forced him to remove the headset. This fundamental ergonomic issue has prevented many users from integrating the device into their daily routines.
Apple Vision Pro Key Issues:
- Starting price: USD $3,499 (256GB), USD $3,699 (512GB), USD $3,899 (1TB)
- Weight: 600-650 grams (heavier than competitors)
- Comfortable usage time: ~30-60 minutes before neck strain
- Startup time: ~3 minutes from battery connection to usage
- Resale value: ~46% depreciation reported (sold for USD $1,900)
Limited App Ecosystem
Beyond physical comfort issues, Vision Pro owners have expressed frustration with the limited software ecosystem. Tovia Goldstein, who primarily wanted to use the device for entertainment, found the lack of available applications severely restricted the headset's utility. The visionOS App Store hasn't expanded quickly enough to justify the device's premium price point. This shortage of compelling software has left many Vision Pro units collecting dust on shelves rather than delivering the revolutionary spatial computing experience Apple promised.
Operational Frustrations
Users have also highlighted several operational annoyances that diminish the overall experience. The startup process is particularly cumbersome, with owners reporting that it takes approximately three minutes from connecting the external battery pack to being able to use the device. This delay creates enough friction that many owners, like Goldstein, are deterred from casual use. The external battery pack itself, while necessary for the headset's operation, adds another layer of complexity and inconvenience to the user experience.
Social Awkwardness
The Vision Pro's distinctive appearance has created unexpected social challenges for users. Anthony Racaniello shared that when wearing the device on a flight, flight attendants mistook it for a sleep mask and skipped him during beverage service. In workplace settings, some users reported colleagues making fun of them or describing their appearance as creepy while wearing the headset. These social barriers have further limited adoption and regular use, even among those who already purchased the device.
Resale Woes
Adding financial injury to the disappointment, Vision Pro owners attempting to recoup some of their investment have discovered a weak resale market. Unlike other Apple products that typically retain strong resale value, the Vision Pro has experienced significant depreciation. Racaniello reported selling his unit for USD $1,900, absorbing a 46% loss on his initial investment. This poor value retention reflects the broader market's lukewarm reception to the product.
Price Perception Gap
The Wall Street Journal report highlighted a striking disconnect between Apple's pricing and consumer expectations. When the Vision Pro appeared on the game show The Price is Right, contestants dramatically underestimated its cost, with the winning guess at just USD $1,270 - nearly USD $2,230 below the actual USD $3,499 starting price. This perception gap suggests Apple may have failed to effectively communicate the device's value proposition to the broader market.
Looking Forward
Apple is reportedly developing a second-generation Vision Pro powered by a new M5 chip, with potential design changes to address the weight issues that have plagued the first model. However, the company faces significant challenges in overcoming the negative impressions established by the original Vision Pro. Future iterations will need to deliver substantial improvements in comfort, software availability, and overall user experience to rebuild consumer confidence in Apple's spatial computing vision.