Apple Vision Pro Review: The Future of Computing or Just an Expensive Experiment?
Introduction
Apple has finally entered the world of spatial computing with the Apple Vision Pro, a high-end mixed-reality headset that blends augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) like never before. With eye-tracking, hand gestures, 4K micro-OLED displays, and a $3,499 price tag, this is Apple’s most ambitious product in years.
But is it really the future of computing, or is it just an overpriced gadget for early adopters? Let’s find out.
Design & Build Quality
The Apple Vision Pro looks futuristic and feels premium in every way. The front is made of a single piece of curved glass, and the rest of the frame is aluminum, making it light yet sturdy. Unlike bulky VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3, the Vision Pro looks sleek and feels like a premium Apple product.
However, it’s not lightweight—at around 600-650 grams, wearing it for long periods can feel heavy. Apple tries to fix this by using an external battery pack that you clip onto your pocket, making the headset lighter on your face.
The headband is super comfortable, made with soft fabric, and easily adjustable. Apple has also designed custom light seals for different face shapes, ensuring no light leakage.
While it’s one of the best-designed headsets ever, the weight and external battery are a bit of a compromise.
Display & Visual Experience,A Window into the Future
Apple has used dual 4K micro-OLED displays, one for each eye, and the clarity is mind-blowing.
Key Display Features
-23 million pixels across both eyes – More than a 4K TV per eye!
- HDR and wide color support – Everything looks vivid and realistic.
-96Hz refresh rate (or 100Hz for movies) – Smooth and immersive.
- No screen door effect – Text is crystal clear, unlike older VR headsets.
When you wear the Vision Pro, it truly feels like looking through a window rather than a screen. Whether you’re watching movies, browsing the web, or working on multiple virtual screens, the clarity is unmatched.
Controls & User Experience, No Controllers Needed
Unlike other VR headsets that rely on controllers, Apple has gone all-in on hand-tracking and eye-tracking.
How You Control It
- Eye-tracking – Just look at something, and it highlights automatically.
- Pinch gestures – Pinch your fingers to select, scroll, or interact.
- Voice commands – You can use Siri for quick actions.
- Magic Keyboard & Trackpad – If you’re working, you can connect Apple’s keyboard and trackpad for a full computing experience.
This feels like magic—there’s no need to wave your hands around like in other VR systems. You just look, pinch, and it works!
The experience is so intuitive and futuristic that using a mouse or touchscreen feels outdated after trying it.
Software: visionOS and Spatial Computing
The Apple Vision Pro runs on visionOS, which is designed for spatial computing.
What You Can Do with visionOS
-Use multiple virtual screens – Your apps float in 3D space like a giant desktop.
-Watch movies in a giant virtual theater – It feels like sitting in an IMAX cinema.
-3D spatial videos – You can watch Apple’s new 3D movies or record your own.
-FaceTime in AR – Your digital persona (realistic 3D avatar) represents you.
-Full Mac integration – Extend your Mac screen into a massive virtual workspace.
Apple has designed this as a productivity and entertainment device, and it works incredibly well in both areas.
However, there’s no full VR gaming experience yet, unlike the Meta Quest 3 or PlayStation VR2. If you want a gaming device, this isn’t for you—at least not yet.
Performance & Hardware
The Vision Pro is powered by:
M2 chip – The same chip found in MacBooks, handling all processing.
R1 chip – Dedicated to processing cameras, sensors, and reducing latency.
This means zero lag, instant response, and smooth animations. Even with multiple apps running, the experience feels flawless.
However, the biggest issue is battery life. The external battery pack only lasts around 2 hours, which isn’t great for long sessions. You can use it while plugged in, but that limits mobility.
Camera & AR Capabilities
The Vision Pro isn’t just a VR headset—it’s also an AR device.
Camera Features
- 12 cameras and LiDAR sensors – Precise tracking of surroundings.
-3D spatial video recording – Capture moments in 3D and relive them in immersive depth.
- EyeSight feature – Shows your digital eyes on the front glass when someone is nearby.
The AR mode lets you see the real world while overlaying virtual elements. It’s super realistic, making it perfect for work, collaboration, and even FaceTime calls.
However, you can’t wear it outside like smart glasses—it’s strictly an indoor device.
Price,Is It Worth $3,499?
This is Apple’s most expensive consumer device ever, priced at $3,499. That’s more than a MacBook Pro + iPad Pro + iPhone 15 Pro Max combined!
Who Should Buy the Vision Pro?
- Tech Enthusiasts – If you love trying cutting-edge tech.
-Professionals & Creators – Amazing for multitasking and productivity.
- Movie Lovers – Watching movies in a giant virtual theater is next level.
- Developers – If you want to build the future of AR/VR.
Who Should NOT Buy It?
-Casual Users – Too expensive if you just want entertainment.
-Gamers – No big VR gaming support yet.
-People Expecting Everyday Use – It’s not a replacement for your phone or laptop yet.
Final Verdict,The Future or an Expensive Experiment?
The Apple Vision Pro is revolutionary, bringing the best display, tracking, and mixed-reality experience ever seen.
However, it’s a first-gen product—expensive, bulky, and limited in gaming. For most people, it’s not a must-buy right now, but it gives us a glimpse into the future of computing.
If you have $3,499 to spare and want the most futuristic gadget ever made, go for it. Otherwise, waiting for Vision Pro 2 (or cheaper models) might be the smarter choice.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) – Incredible tech, but not for everyone (yet).