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In early June, Engadget Senior Editor Devindra Hardawar had the opportunity to try out a prototype unit of the Apple Vision Pro headset. He noticed that the unit he tried had an extra velcro strap that was not shown in any of Apple’s promotional material. When he asked about it, a company spokesperson informed him that the headset would support additional straps if needed.
According to Bloomberg, Apple decided to create the extra strap that goes over the wearer’s head because some employees complained that the Vision Pro headset felt too heavy after a few hours of use. This move by Apple is reminiscent of their decision to sell the Pro Display XDR stand separately from the monitor itself. Similarly, Apple is reportedly considering selling the strap as an optional accessory instead of including it in the box.
This decision might not come as a surprise considering the starting price of $3,499 for the Vision Pro headset when it is released in 2024. However, it does seem strange that Apple would not prioritize a comfortable out-of-the-box experience, especially since many previews had mentioned the headset’s weight as a potential concern.
Despite the high price tag, Apple intends to market the Vision Pro headset not just to developers but also to consumers. The company plans to create dedicated areas within its retail stores where people can demo the device. In order to ensure a proper fit, Apple has developed an iPhone app for its retail workers to scan a customer’s face and provide the correctly sized bands and light seal for their headset.
The release of the Vision Pro headset is still several months away, with a potential arrival date of May 2024. This gives Apple plenty of time to make adjustments to its plans based on feedback and market demands. In the meantime, the company has already reassigned some employees to work on a more affordable headset and a second-generation Vision Pro.
Overall, Apple’s foray into the mixed reality headset market with the Vision Pro is generating a lot of excitement and anticipation. The headset’s advanced features and immersive experiences have the potential to revolutionize industries such as gaming, entertainment, and education. With Apple’s dedication to innovation and user experience, it will be interesting to see how the Vision Pro performs in the market and how it shapes the future of mixed reality technology.
