On Monday, Apple made a groundbreaking announcement: releasing their Apple Vision Pro augmented reality (AR) headset, priced at $3,500. As an enthusiast, I can’t help but feel excited and skeptical about this new product.
I don’t think there’s any argument that the Apple Vision Pro is the most advanced AR headset ever made. I don’t doubt the hardware, I doubt its utility. Apple keeps showing people people casually wearing these giant tethered headphones while walking around their home or office, and I’m not sure that’s going to work.
Virtual and augmented reality are great, especially the first time you use them, but when the magic wears off, most headsets start to collect dust. I’m sure Apple’s headphones will be the “best” on the market, but does that mean parents will wear this when they’re playing with their kids? Does that mean people will stop watching TV and start entertaining in AR? Does that mean people will choose to communicate with people as digital avatars instead of with video? I was very skeptical.
Right now, the only thing that keeps VR alive are video games, but Apple’s headsets can’t connect to Windows PCs to play the best games. Like other Apple products, it’s a closed ecosystem. An ecosystem without premium games.
I’m a huge fan of VR and AR, and I’m glad Apple has created a premium product that will propel the industry forward. I’m just skeptical that it will be used as in their promotional videos. For this headset to be successful, it will have to be useful. Hopefully they’ll find a way for AR to increase productivity. Personally, I see the most promise in eye tracking, but only time will tell.
