Apple’s recently unveiled mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro, has stirred excitement for its potential to transform interactions and entertainment experiences. However, according to insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device may have a longer journey ahead before reaching its full potential as a game-changing product.
Sources within Apple‘s Vision Products Group, as reported by Gurman, suggest that the current iteration of the device is far from its “ideal form” and could require several generations of refinement before meeting customer expectations for everyday use. While specifics regarding this “ideal form” remain ambiguous, early adopter feedback sheds light on key areas of concern.
Challenges such as headset weight, limited battery life, app scarcity, and software bugs have surfaced in the initial version of the Vision Pro. Users have reported discomfort during extended use, while the limited app ecosystem limits its versatility. Gurman draws parallels to Apple’s past product strategies, suggesting that iterative improvements over four generations, akin to the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, could position the Vision Pro as a potential successor to the iPad.
Elon Musk has also weighed in on Vision Pro, likening its current state to that of the first iPhone and expressing optimism for future iterations to address existing issues. He anticipates that, similar to the iPhone 3, future iterations of Vision Pro could overcome current limitations and achieve greatness.
Gurman notes that Apple’s efforts to position the iPad as a Mac replacement have faced challenges, with features falling short of closing the productivity gap. At its current price point of $3,500, he views the Vision Pro more as a “prototype” aimed at early adopters than a refined consumer product.
Despite its limitations, the Vision Pro shows promise, particularly in areas such as video streaming, light work, and entertainment. However, concerns surrounding weight, battery life, and app availability remain significant hurdles.
Gurman advises prospective buyers to approach the Vision Pro with caution, emphasizing the need to await substantial software enhancements and hardware refinements before considering it a viable consumer option.
Source: Bloomberg
