Apple Vision Pro: Is It Worth the $3,499 Price Tag? A Comprehensive Review
- Apple’s Vision Pro feels like stepping into a sci-fi dream, but is it worth the hefty price?
- You’ll love the futuristic workspace and personal theater — if you can handle the weight.
- The Vision Pro’s external battery and software quirks might just dampen some of the thrill.
- Wondering if the Vision Pro is worth $3,499? Get the full details on its pros and cons, coming right up.
First Impressions: Sci-Fi Comes to Life
When everything works perfectly on the Apple Vision Pro, it feels like you're living in a sci-fi movie. My typical apps float in front of me, allowing me to manipulate them with ease, much like Tony Stark in the Marvel films. The experience feels otherworldly — I can handle more apps at once than my monitor would ever allow. When my workday ends, I can kick back on the couch, transforming my living room into a personal theater that dwarfs my OLED TV. Somewhere in between, I find myself doing 3D puzzles, stargazing, and engaging in rhythm-based gaming. I’m able to bounce between apps with a fluidity that surpasses even the best VR headsets.
But is it worth the price? At $3,499, the Vision Pro is a significant investment, and even for early adopters, the high cost isn’t its only drawback. Heavy hardware, intermittent software issues, and challenges for those in shared spaces may cause hesitation for some.
After one month of living, working, and playing with Apple’s latest headset, here’s my full breakdown.
The Vision Pro’s Strengths
1. Futuristic Design and Intuitive Use
As someone who has used VR headsets since the original Oculus Rift, the Vision Pro is the most seamless experience I’ve encountered. There’s no need for lengthy setups or space mapping, and you won’t be fumbling with awkward controllers. Setup is almost instant — log in via iPhone, and all your essential apps like Messages, Photos, and Notes are there.
Despite occasional hiccups, the combination of eye-tracking and hand gestures is remarkably smooth. You look at something to select it and pinch your fingers to interact. “It started to feel like second nature,” I recall. While other headsets, like the Meta Quest 3, can only run two apps at a time with slower load speeds, the Vision Pro can handle multiple apps instantly without any lag. Siri even works well in this environment — something I rarely say.
Before long, I had my dream workspace with apps like Slack, Discord, Safari, and Messages floating around me. No expensive multi-monitor setup could beat the sense of futurism it offers.
Photo via Confer With // Using apps with Apple Vision Pro is seriously impressive in a way that is hard to explain.
2. The Ultimate Personal Theater Experience
If there’s one compelling reason to consider the Vision Pro, it’s for the cinematic experience. With its beyond-4K resolution, watching movies on this headset is like entering a private theater. The clarity is impeccable, and apps designed for the device create an immersive world.
Paired with Apple’s latest AirPods Pro 2 (with USB-C), the Vision Pro also promises low-latency, lossless audio. While I didn’t notice a massive difference between my headset and iPhone when playing music, the sound was still excellent. The pairing process was seamless too.
3. Game-Changer for Mac Users
The Vision Pro as a standalone productivity device works well, but it truly shines when paired with a Mac. Its Mac Virtual Display feature brings a resizable 4K virtual monitor into your Vision Pro workspace. Built on Apple’s Universal Control tech, you can jump between your Mac and VisionOS apps using the same keyboard and trackpad.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Your apps float in front of you like some kind of sci-fi movie.
In my testing, this feature worked nearly flawlessly. I handled the bulk of my work on my Mac while Slack, Messages, and Discord floated nearby, allowing me to easily multitask. While the headset’s default iPadOS apps lack the precision and ease of a desktop, the addition of a Mac display helped bridge that gap.
If you need a portable desktop setup, pairing a Vision Pro with a Mac mini could be the ultimate solution, packing everything you need into a backpack.
Downsides of the Vision Pro
1. Heavy and Uncomfortable After Prolonged Use
Initially, I found the Vision Pro comfortable enough, but after a week of use, the strain on my neck and nose became hard to ignore. Even with different straps and cushions designed for better weight distribution, the headset felt cumbersome. The discomfort builds up after just a few minutes, which limits its use for extended workdays or lengthy movies.
Apple’s own support site advises taking breaks regularly, and with good reason — the strain can be noticeable. This discomfort is the primary reason I wouldn’t recommend the headset for long-term daily use.
2. The Tethered Battery is Awkward
Photo via Apple Inc. // The tethered battery on Apple Vision Pro can get annoying after a while.
To alleviate the weight issue, Apple opted for an external battery pack that you keep on your desk or in your pocket. While this does reduce the headset’s weight, it introduces a new problem: You’re tethered to the battery at all times. Forget to move it, and you risk yanking it off the table or out of your pocket if you stand up too quickly.
3. Software Needs Improvement
When it works, the Vision Pro feels magical. But about 10-15% of the time, the experience falls apart, often due to software glitches. This is typical of first-generation products, but for a $3,499 investment, it’s frustrating. While not frequent enough to be a deal-breaker, potential buyers may want to wait for software updates before jumping in.
4. Underwhelming Camera Experience
The Vision Pro’s ability to capture spatial photos and videos is unique, but I didn’t find it particularly exciting. While there’s noticeable dimensionality, the results didn’t quite immerse me in the moment. If viewed on an iPhone, these spatial clips convert into unremarkable square videos. However, for those with an iPhone 15 Pro, this feature may feel more practical since you can take spatial shots on your phone and relive them in the Vision Pro.
The Verdict: Is It Worth the Price?
The Apple Vision Pro is a leap forward, no doubt about it. It offers an unmatched experience in VR and AR spaces. It’s the most intuitive headset I’ve used, with seamless app management, great integration with Mac, and stunning visuals. If you’re an early adopter with deep pockets, this could be the future of personal computing.
But if I had to be brutally honest—and I will be, because this is a review—I would recommend most users wait for the second-generation of Apple Vision Pro (potentially just called 'Apple Vision', or we may even get two models, a cheaper version and a Pro version).
Why do I say this? Well, Apple is known for releasing top-notch first-gen products—but they're also known for releasing far superior second and third-generation products. And with rumors of a price cut on the horizon, it's probably best just to wait for now.
Photo via Apple Inc. // Using apps to get work done with Apple Vision Pro.
The current model starts at $3,499, and it’s not for everyone. Its weight, awkward battery design, and early-stage software issues may give many potential buyers pause. For those who need a device for long work sessions or extended movie nights, its discomfort could be a significant hurdle.
However, for short bursts of work or entertainment, this device truly feels like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie. Whether or not it’s worth the investment depends on how much you’re willing to pay for that futuristic experience.
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