Apple Vision Pro: Six Months Later User Review

It has been over six months since Apple released the Vision Pro to the public on February 2, 2024. During the initial launch, social media was flooded with videos of people wearing the headset in subways and coffee shops. Now that the viral moments have faded, we are left with a piece of hardware that costs $3,499 and a critical question: has the experience actually improved?

This review revisits the headset to determine if the software updates and app ecosystem have caught up to the hardware’s potential, or if this expensive device is destined to gather dust.

The Hardware: Still Heavy, Still Beautiful

The physical experience of the Vision Pro has not changed since launch, but user adaptation has. The device is undeniably heavy, weighing between 600 and 650 grams depending on the light seal and band configuration.

After six months of usage, the consensus on comfort has shifted away from the marketing images. While the Solo Knit Band looks sleek in advertisements, it puts significant pressure on the cheekbones and forehead. Long-term users almost exclusively switch to the Dual Loop Band included in the box. This strap distributes the weight across the top of the head, making two-hour movie sessions manageable.

If you wear glasses, the friction remains. You cannot wear frames inside the headset. You must purchase ZEISS Optical Inserts, which cost between $99 and $149. This adds another step to the setup process and makes sharing the device with friends or family difficult.

visionOS 2: The Software Catch-Up

The most significant change in the last six months is the introduction of visionOS 2. Apple announced this update at WWDC 2024, addressing several complaints from early adopters.

Spatial Photos from 2D Images

Originally, you had to take a photo with the headset or an iPhone 15 Pro to view it in 3D. With visionOS 2, Apple uses machine learning to convert your existing library of standard 2D photos into Spatial Photos. Seeing a family memory from ten years ago suddenly possess depth and realism is one of the most emotional “magic tricks” the device offers.

Mac Virtual Display Enhancements

For productivity, the integration with Mac computers is the device’s strongest selling point. Initially, you could only mirror your Mac screen as a standard 16:9 display. The recent updates allow for an ultrawide virtual display option. This effectively wraps a massive, high-resolution monitor around you.

If you travel for work, this feature justifies a significant portion of the cost. You can sit in a cramped economy seat, activate Travel Mode, and work on a screen equivalent to two 4K monitors side-by-side.

The App Ecosystem: Quality Over Quantity?

The snippet asks if the app ecosystem has improved. The answer is yes, but perhaps not at the speed users hoped for. There are currently over 2,500 native apps designed for visionOS, but major gaps remain.

The Missing Giants

Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube (Google) still refuse to build dedicated apps for the Vision Pro. You are forced to watch Netflix via the Safari browser. While the browser is competent, you lose the ability to download content for offline viewing. This is a major oversight for a device marketed as the ultimate travel companion.

However, third-party developers have filled some voids. An app called Juno, developed by Christian Selig, acts as an excellent third-party YouTube client. It provides a native-feeling interface that Google has failed to offer.

New Standout Experiences

While the utilities are growing, a few entertainment apps show what the platform is capable of:

  • What If…? An Immersive Story: Released by Disney and Marvel, this is an interactive narrative that puts you inside the MCU. It is not just a 3D movie; you use hand tracking to cast spells. It is arguably the best demo content currently available.
  • Lapz: This is a beta app for Formula 1 fans. It places a 3D map of the track on your coffee table while you watch the race feed and driver cockpit views floating on the wall.
  • Gucci: This brand app offers an interactive documentary about the company’s history. While niche, it demonstrates the high-fidelity graphical capabilities of the headset better than most games.

Gaming: The Weakest Link

If you are looking for a gaming headset, the Apple Vision Pro is likely the wrong choice. The ecosystem relies heavily on Apple Arcade titles like Super Fruit Ninja or Synth Riders. While these are fun for 20 minutes, they lack the depth of PC VR titles.

Unlike the Meta Quest 3, which costs $499 and has a massive library of controllers-based games, the Vision Pro relies on hand tracking. Hand tracking is magical for navigating menus but lacks the tactile precision needed for serious gaming. You can pair a PlayStation or Xbox controller to play 2D games on a virtual screen, but that does not utilize the spatial capabilities of the device.

Is It Worth $3,500 Today?

Six months later, the Apple Vision Pro remains a paradoxical device. It has the best displays of any consumer headset on the market. The micro-OLED screens offer 23 million pixels, making text readable and movies look better than they do on an IMAX screen.

However, the “killer app” is still missing for the average consumer. The device excels at two things:

  1. Passive Entertainment: Watching 3D movies (like Avatar: The Way of Water or Dune) is an unparalleled experience.
  2. Solo Productivity: Working with the Mac Virtual Display in a distraction-free environment.

If you fall outside of those two specific use cases, the $3,499 price tag is hard to justify, especially when the Meta Quest 3 offers 80% of the functionality for 15% of the price. The ecosystem is growing, but it is a slow climb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share the Vision Pro with other family members? Yes, but it is cumbersome. There is a “Guest User” mode that requires you to recalibrate eye tracking every time a new person puts it on. If you use optical inserts, you must pop them out before sharing.

Does the battery last longer than two hours now? No. The external battery pack is unchanged. It provides roughly 2 to 2.5 hours of general use. For longer sessions, you must keep the battery plugged into a USB-C power source or a wall outlet.

Is the resale value holding up? Not particularly. On secondary markets like eBay or Swappa, used Apple Vision Pro units are selling for between $2,400 and $2,800. This is a significant depreciation for an Apple product in its first year.

Do I need an iPhone to use it? You do not strictly need one to operate it, but an iPhone with Face ID is highly recommended for the initial setup to scan your face for the light seal sizing and to create your “Persona” (digital avatar).