Apple Vision Pro review

According to Apple, the Vision Pro is no mere AR headset: this is a “spatial computer,” the “most advanced personal electronics device ever.” That’s a hefty claim when Apple already makes the iPhone. Available early next year, initially in the US with the UK to follow, the Vision Pro is indeed powerful, with an Apple M2 and a new R1 chip designed for real-time data processing. It offers eye tracking, hand control, and voice control. Nor has Apple ignored usability, with a lightweight headset married to the slick new VisionOS.

What will you do with this $3,499 spatial computer? Apple promises enhanced productivity with your Mac, a new way to FaceTime, immersive video watching and gaming, and more. The Vision Pro was tried across a wide range of experiences, leaving an impression with its ease of use and early apps. However, concerns remain.

In terms of physical appearance, the Apple Vision Pro resembles a high-tech pair of goggles, mostly in a positive way. The smooth and polished 3D-formed glass, along with the sturdy aluminum alloy frame, creates an impressive look. The “Light Seal” between the headset and the face is soft and available in multiple sizes.

The initial part of the demonstration involved a vision check where reading glasses were handed over. They were scanned while conducting a mini interview about eyesight. Apple then fitted the headset with customized lenses to address vision needs, a feature that all Vision Pro owners will benefit from through their partnership with Zeiss. A quick Face ID-like scan was performed using an iPhone to personalize the Light Seal. Notably, there was no light leakage during the demo.

Spatial audio is delivered through two audio pods on either side of the head, which can be tuned to the individual’s ears, similar to AirPods. The flexible and comfortable headband of the Vision Pro includes a tightening dial that offers a satisfying click. The right side of the headset features a Digital Crown for adjusting immersion levels, while the left side includes a content capture button. Pressing the Crown brings users back to the home screen.

It is worth mentioning that the Vision Pro needs to be connected to an external battery, resulting in a wire extending from the headset to a pocket-sized battery. The battery life is not impressive, lasting around two hours. Although the headset is lightweight, it cannot be considered small, indicating that Apple Glasses are still a long way off in terms of sleekness.

The Vision Pro offers a wide range of use cases, starting with the ability to display multiple apps simultaneously on a larger canvas. For instance, you can pin a music player on the left side, have Messages on the right, and a spacious browser in the middle. In fact, you can even extend your MacBook’s display simply by looking at it while wearing the Vision Pro. A clever feature is the ability to look at the address bar and verbally mention the website name instead of typing it.

Apple has also reinvented the FaceTime experience with the Vision Pro. The front cameras of the headset can capture your digital Persona, displaying it during video calls and mirroring your facial expressions and hand movements as you chat. It could be great during business calls. Other callers will appear in front of your view as floating images. However, the quality is not at a photorealistic level. During a FaceTime call with someone I know, the video quality resembled that of a video game. While his face looked familiar, the facial movements and teeth weren’t convincingly replicated. Nonetheless, it was great to collaborate with him in the Freeform app during the FaceTime call, complete with shareable 3D models.