The Apple Vision Pro is not just another headset — it’s Apple’s bold entry into spatial computing, blending virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and what the company dubs “spatial computing”. Here’s a deep dive into what it does, how it performs, and whether it’s worth your money (especially if you’re in India).
What it is
At its core, the Vision Pro is a mixed‐reality headset that allows you to overlay digital content onto the real world and also immerse yourself completely in virtual environments. According to review summaries:
- It features high‐resolution dual micro-OLED displays (approx. 23 million pixels) per headset.
- It uses eye-tracking and hand gesture input (gazing + pinch) instead of traditional controllers.
- Apple calls it a “spatial computer” rather than simply “VR headset” — indicating an ambition beyond games/entertainment.
- The starting price in the U.S. is US$3,499 for the base version.
Highlights & standout features
Here are the features that reviewers repeatedly flagged as impressive:
1. Premium build & optics
The materials and visual clarity are often praised.
2. Immersive experiences
Whether it’s watching spatial videos, pinning apps in your physical space or using a massive virtual display.
3. Productivity potential
Beyond entertainment: One of the more subtle strengths is using the Vision Pro to extend your workspace:
4. Input innovation
No physical controllers needed. You look at something, pinch your fingers to “click”, and use gesture/eye tracking. Many say this is far more natural than typical VR controllers.
Where it falls short (and what to watch)
No product is perfect. Here are the major drawbacks flagged by reviewers:
1. Price & value
At US$3,499 (and likely higher with import/taxes in India), this is very much a premium product.
2. Comfort & ergonomics
- It’s heavy: The M5 upgraded version still weighs about 750-800g (26.4-28.2 oz) depending on the strap. T
- Having an external battery tethered can be cumbersome.
- Fit and fatigue remain issues.
3. Content & ecosystem maturity
- Native apps are still limited. Many existing apps are iOS/ iPad versions simply stretched into the headset.
- Some big services (streaming apps) may not yet have dedicated native Vision Pro versions.
- As one reviewer put it: “The revolution has stalled”
4. Usage scenario limitations
- Battery life: ~2-3 hours of use depending on what you’re doing.
- Practicality: While the floating-app concept is cool, many users still found they reverted to conventional devices for day-to-day tasks.
Should you buy it — My Verdict
If I were to boil it down:
Go for it if:
- You are deeply immersed in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, Mac, iPad) and love cutting‐edge gadgets.
- You have a good budget and want a “first class” spatial computing experience.
- You value premium hardware, new form‐factors, and want to be at the forefront of what computing might become.
Hold off if:
- You’re budget conscious → The cost (plus import/taxes in India) is high.
- You primarily want something for streaming/games and don’t see yourself using spatial computing features day-to-day.
- You need long sessions or high comfort: the ergonomics are improving but still not perfect for all-day wear.
- You want a mature ecosystem with thousands of tailored apps: it’s still developing.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Vision Pro is a technological marvel — arguably a glimpse into the future of computing. The hardware impresses, the spatial interface shows what’s possible, and for certain users it could be transformative. At the same time, its high cost, evolving ecosystem, and ergonomic trade-offs mean it’s not yet a mass-market device.
