Apple Vision Pro did not bring the long-awaited breakthrough in the VR market either –

The appearance of Apple’s Vision Pro stirred up a lot of dust when the company introduced it at WWDC 2023. With the promise of amazingly advanced technology and a unique user experience, the Vision Pro could have been the new flagship of the VR market. However, the experience of the past months shows that Vision Pro did not achieve the breakthrough that Apple and the market had hoped for. Vision Pro stands out from its competitors in terms of technology. The ultra-wide display, integration with Mac computers, and the all-new mixed reality experience make it truly special. The headset is capable of creating a virtual work environment, providing a screen the size of a cinema screen for watching movies, or displaying impressive 3D content.

However, all this involves serious compromises. The price, which starts at $3,499, already rules out most average consumers. The device’s primary target group thus became technology enthusiasts and early adopters who are willing to dig deep into their pockets for a new experience. However, even in this circle, the question arises: is the Vision Pro really worth the price?

Perhaps the biggest challenge with Vision Pro is that it’s not clear exactly how it fits into everyday life. Apple’s previous products, such as the iPhone or the Apple Watch, offered immediate, tangible benefits that made almost every aspect of life easier. However, Vision Pro does not currently have such broad appeal. The content supply is still limited. While Apple does work on creating unique content, it tends to be short and more of a demonstration than a real, lasting experience. Games are few and far between, and those looking for entertainment will likely opt for other, less expensive devices, such as Meta Quest’s headsets. By the time Vision Pro was released, Meta had already secured a solid place in the VR market. The Meta Quest 3 and the even cheaper Quest 3S offer an excellent experience at a price point that is accessible to most consumers. These devices are primarily focused on gaming, and although they don’t offer as wide a range of functionality as the Vision Pro, they offer more clear uses.

Although Meta’s experiments, such as Horizon Worlds, a 3D community space, have not been universally successful, the company remains a strong presence in the market, offering a more accessible alternative to those looking to enter the world of VR. Apple has not given up on the wearable technology market. According to reports, the company is already working on a cheaper version, which may be called Apple Vision. In addition, Apple is said to be conducting internal research into the market for AR glasses, which could have much greater potential for everyday use.

Devices in the form of glasses, such as Ray-Ban’s Meta, have already proven that discreet, easy-to-wear technology can appeal to consumers. Such devices offer an opportunity for the technology to truly integrate into everyday life, as opposed to current VR headsets that tend to isolate the user. Apple Vision Pro represents the pinnacle of VR technology, but it failed to make a breakthrough in the market. Due to the price, limited content offering and unclear usage options, the device is currently more of a technological luxury item than an everyday device.

For Apple, the future likely lies in lighter, more discreet wearable technologies that are more widely available and usable. Until these products arrive, the Vision Pro will likely remain a niche appeal.