A year later, Apple Vision Pro owners regret buying the $3,500 headset

Regret swirls around Apple's Vision Pro, an investment many can't justify.

: A year after its release, Apple Vision Pro owners express regret over the $3,500 purchase, citing lack of use and physical discomfort as primary reasons. Many early adopters like Dustin Fox and Tovia Goldstein describe the device as too cumbersome and heavy, leading to infrequent use. Despite early excitement, the headset struggled with a long startup time, public ridicule, and a high market resale loss. As complaints mounted, Apple halved its production forecast and eventually halted production, yet plans for new models persist.

The Apple Vision Pro, initially launched with much fanfare, has seen a decline in popularity a year into its release. Most users, who spent a hefty $3,500 on the mixed-reality headset, now express regret over their purchase. Dustin Fox, a real estate agent and one of the early adopters, mentioned that despite the initial allure and potential productivity benefits, the device is now just 'collecting dust' and is barely used due to its significant weight and discomfort during prolonged use. Another customer, Tovia Goldstein, echoed these sentiments, stating the headset is cumbersome for anything beyond brief sessions.

Weight has been a notable concern, with the Vision Pro weighing approximately 1.3 to 1.4 pounds, making it challenging for extended wear. This has contributed to physical discomfort such as neck pain, headache, and even black eyes reported by users. Additionally, users like Anthony Racaniello pointed out the social stigma attached to using the device publicly, describing experiences of being laughed at when wearing the headset.

A critical factor leading to the buyer's remorse is the lack of practical utility and a compelling application that justifies the investment. Despite Apple predicting limited sales due to the niche nature of the gadget, the Vision Pro initially saw about 160,000 to 180,000 units ordered on its pre-launch weekend. Some users have sold the device at a significant loss, unable to reclaim even half of the purchase price.

Technical drawbacks extend beyond weight and social perception. Users faced issues such as a slow startup process that involved connecting an external battery and waiting for the headset to be ready. These technical hiccups, combined with hardware discomfort, amplified user dissatisfaction, prompting Apple to revise its shipment forecast drastically, cutting it in half by three months post-launch.

In response, Apple ceased production temporarily, acknowledging the failing market demand. Nonetheless, the company is reportedly pursuing new developments, aiming to introduce lighter, more affordable versions of the Vision Pro in the future. This move reflects Apple's continued investment in refining its VR offerings despite the initial setbacks.

Sources: TechSpot, Wall Street Journal, Apple

VRARGadgets