For certain purchasers of the Apple Vision Pro, the initial excitement has quickly faded away. A noticeable trend on social media indicates that some owners are opting to return their $3,500 headsets, a development that aligns with the timeframe for Apple’s 14-day return policy. As the first wave of Vision Pro buyers reaches this deadline, reports of discomfort emerge as a primary reason for returns. Many users complain of headaches and motion sickness attributed to the weight distribution of the device, with the majority of it concentrated at the front. Parker Ortolani, The Verge’s product manager, even mentioned experiencing a burst blood vessel in his eye, echoing similar accounts of discomfort from other users who reported redness and eye strain.
The issue of comfort highlights a challenge in mass production of wearables, where individual body variations affect user experience disproportionately. This disparity is evident across different wearable categories, from smartwatches to smart rings, where fit and comfort can be elusive due to variations in body sizes and shapes. With smart glasses and headsets, factors like nose bridge height can impact fit and function significantly.
However, discomfort is not the only concern among Vision Pro users. Many express dissatisfaction with the device’s productivity features relative to its hefty price tag. Some users find the headset unsuitable for their work tasks, citing issues such as dizziness when viewing certain screens and insufficient support for specific file types. The device’s functionality for coding tasks is also questioned, with reports of focusing problems leading to headaches.
For some users, the lack of a compelling “killer app” or significant productivity enhancement makes it difficult to justify keeping the Vision Pro. Despite the impressive technology, concerns about comfort and usability overshadow its potential benefits for both work and entertainment. This sentiment is evident in discussions on online platforms, where users express hopes for improvements in future iterations of the device.
The impact of this vocal subset of dissatisfied early adopters on the future of the Vision Pro remains uncertain. While some express interest in trying future versions of the device, others emphasize the need for fundamental improvements in comfort and functionality. The extent of this dissatisfaction within the broader user base is unclear, as social media discussions may not fully reflect the return rate or Apple’s internal expectations for the product.