The Hype is Over: Apple Vision Pro Users Speak Out

It’s been over a year since Apple Vision Pro graced the shelves in the U.S., and now some owners are feeling the weight of regret. A recent spotlight by The Wall Street Journal uncovered a wave of dissatisfaction among users, revealing a trend: the initial excitement has faded, leaving many users wishing they hadn’t made the purchase.

Users Struggle with Comfort and Practicality

Dustin Fox, a realtor who had high hopes for the device, admitted he’s only used the Vision Pro four times since its debut. The reason? The device’s hefty design has made it an uncomfortable experience, leading to neck strain after just 20-30 minutes. "It’s just not practical for daily use," he lamented.

Tovia Goldstein was initially thrilled to use the headset for watching movies but hasn’t touched it in four months. The cumbersome weight is a major drawback, but he’s also frustrated by the device’s lengthy three-minute boot-up time and the lack of engaging apps.

Public Perception and Travel Woes

Traveling with the Vision Pro has proven to be more of a hassle than a delight for some users. Anshel Sag recounted how he received strange looks from fellow passengers while trying to enjoy movies on flights. The awkward carrying case, which takes up a significant portion of his carry-on, discouraged him from bringing it along.

Anthony Racaniello found his Vision Pro experience on flights equally frustrating. The unusual design led flight attendants to mistake him for someone sleeping, preventing him from receiving refreshments multiple times. He even faced teasing from colleagues who found his usage "creepy," ultimately deciding to sell his device for nearly half of what he paid.

Sales Numbers Reveal a Deeper Issue

The disappointing user experiences seem to align with early adopter reports. An April 2024 analysis by MarketWatch indicated that many users struggled with discomfort and fit, leading to a steep decline in demand. Analysts estimate Apple might only sell around 500,000 units in 2024, a far cry from expectations.

What’s Next for Apple?

Despite the rocky reception of the Vision Pro, Apple isn’t backing down. Rumors are swirling about two new models in development—one that promises to be lighter and more affordable, and another that may offer a tethered experience to Macs for lower latency.

As users reflect on their Vision Pro experiences, Apple finds itself at a crossroads. Will the next generation of this ambitious product be able to overcome the shortcomings of its predecessor? Only time will tell.