The hype around Apple’s new spatial computing product is real, and the Apple Vision Pro reviews are rolling in.
Released in the U.S. on February 5, the Vision Pro ($3,499) has been embraced by tech, design geeks, and the reviews are generally favorable, though there are some commonly agreed upon flaws.
Here, we’ll break down some of the top reviews of the Apple Vision Pro:
Tom’s Guide
The review of the Apple Vision Pro by Tom’s Guide highlights it as a groundbreaking product with impressive features but also acknowledges some drawbacks. Here’s a summary:
Overview:
- The Apple Vision Pro offers futuristic eye- and hand-tracking interfaces, breathtaking 3D video, and impressive AR apps.
- Pros include the amazing interface, stunning 3D experiences, compatibility with MacBooks, and impressive AR apps.
- Cons include the high price, absence of key apps, and some issues with the Digital Persona feature.
Features:
- The device combines augmented reality and virtual reality experiences.
- It’s targeted at multitaskers, entertainment enthusiasts, content creators, and business travelers.
Design and Comfort:
- The headset features a sleek design but is heavy, weighing around 1.3 to 1.4 pounds.
- It comes with interchangeable bands for different levels of stability and comfort.
- The device includes a digital crown for navigation and volume control.
Interface and Tracking:
- Users can navigate through the interface using eye and hand gestures, providing an intuitive experience.
- Eye tracking is utilized for authentication via OpticID.
- The interface offers easy multitasking and seamless integration with Mac devices.
Entertainment and Productivity:
- The Vision Pro offers immersive 3D movie experiences, spatial video and photos, and stunning audio quality.
- It supports various apps and games optimized for its capabilities.
- The device enhances productivity with features like app pinning and virtual desktop display.
Eyesight and Persona:
- The Eyesight feature allows others to see a digital version of the user’s eyes when interacting with them.
- The Persona feature generates a 3D avatar of the user, which can be used in video calls and interactions.
- The review notes some issues with the realism and comfort of the Persona feature.
Performance and Battery:
- The device offers smooth performance overall, but some bugs were encountered during testing.
- The tethered battery lasts for around 2 hours of general use or 2.5 hours of video playback.
- Competing headsets from other brands offer built-in batteries for added convenience.
Summary:
- Despite its high price and some early issues, the Apple Vision Pro is praised as an innovative product.
- Its advanced features, immersive experiences, and potential for future development make it a revolutionary device.
- However, it’s noted that the product is still evolving, and improvements are needed in certain areas.
Read the complete Tom’s Guide review here.
CNET
The author, Scott Stein, provides a very detailed review of the headset, highlighting its features, performance, and overall experience. He describes the device as one of the most complex products they’ve ever evaluated, with both stunning and unfinished aspects. Despite its high price, the Vision Pro offers futuristic features like eye and hand tracking, advanced mixed reality capabilities, and a high-quality display.
The headset runs on a new operating system called VisionOS and integrates seamlessly with existing Apple devices. While the display quality, interface, and mixed reality features are impressive, the lack of available apps at launch and the high price make it hard to recommend to the general consumer. However, for professionals in the immersive industry, the Vision Pro may be worth considering.
The review covers various aspects of the device, including its design, comfort, setup process, app compatibility, and performance. It discusses the immersive environments, video playback capabilities, photo and video quality, and the potential for productivity and entertainment use cases.
Overall, the Vision Pro offers a glimpse into the future of AR/VR technology, but it’s not without its limitations and challenges. The author acknowledges the device’s potential but suggests waiting to see how it evolves over time before making a purchase decision.
Read the complete CNET review here.
AXIOS
The reviewer, a former tech reporter with extensive experience testing various VR, AR, and MR headsets, shares their immediate impressions of the Vision Pro. While previous devices left them with a mix of awe and disappointment due to limitations in functionality, setup complexity, or image quality, the Vision Pro impresses with its ease of setup, vivid visuals, and intuitive functionality. However, minor issues such as image graininess and difficulty sharing are noted.
One standout feature is the device’s ability to facilitate multitasking and immersive experiences, thanks to its spatial video capabilities and spatial audio setup. The reviewer highlights the emotional impact of experiencing spatial video firsthand, likening it to a scene from Minority Report. They emphasize that Apple’s hardware-software ecosystem gives it a competitive edge in the AR/MR/VR market.
Despite the device’s impressive features, its weight and price are acknowledged as potential drawbacks. Weighing around 1.5 pounds, the headset may become uncomfortable over extended periods, and its starting price of $3,500 may deter some potential buyers. However, the reviewer believes that the device’s innovation will drive competition and demand in the market.
From an industry standpoint, the reviewer predicts that other consumer electronics companies will strive to match or surpass the Vision Pro’s capabilities, leading to increased adoption and demand for similar products. They stress the importance of investor patience and public adoption in driving future iterations and advancements in the product category.
Read the complete AXIOS review here.
ZDNET
- Design and Features
- The Vision Pro features a unique design with an external battery pack connected via cable, reducing weight for enhanced comfort.
- Its ski goggles-like appearance, laminated glass front, and aluminum alloy frame ensure durability and comfort.
- Packed with advanced technology, including two OLED displays, Apple’s M2 and R1 chips, 12 cameras, six microphones, and Siri.
- Personalized Spatial Audio, eye and hand tracking, voice commands, and a crown interface offer intuitive control options.
- Runs on VisionOS, designed specifically for spatial computing, bringing continuity to Apple’s ecosystem.
- Functionality
- Capable of running popular Apple applications and 600 new apps optimized for the headset, including productivity tools and streaming services.
- Apps provide a seamless blend of AR and VR experiences, with intuitive controls for effortless interaction.
- Immersive video streaming allows users to feel physically present in virtual environments with lifelike spatial audio.
- Compatible with third-party streaming services and supports spatial video for an enhanced viewing experience.
- Doubles as a 4K external monitor for Mac and facilitates collaborative videoconferencing with lifelike digital personas.
- Price and Availability
- The base model starts at $3,499, with additional storage options available at higher prices.
- Accessories like Zeiss Optical Inserts, Apple Care+, and a Travel Case add to the overall cost.
- Available for purchase on the Apple website and in stores, with pre-orders starting on January 19 and units available for pickup on February 2.
- Trial and Return Policy
- Customers can try the Vision Pro through one-on-one demos at Apple Stores or purchase it and return it within 14 days if unsatisfied.
- Verdict
- Whether the Vision Pro is worth the price depends on individual use cases and preferences.
- ZDNET offers additional resources, including articles highlighting reasons for purchase and decision-making questions, to aid potential buyers.
- Stay tuned for more reviews and buying advice from ZDNET to make an informed decision.
Read the complete ZDNET review here.
