Investing in a first-generation Apple Vision headset is a significant commitment, particularly given the $3,500 price point and the necessity for a personalized fitting experience at an Apple Store. With such high stakes, the decision to return the product is not taken lightly.
Despite this, reports indicate that several customers are reversing their decision on owning the Apple Vision Pro. The phenomenon is not widespread, but even a few returns per day can be significant for what is considered a low-volume, luxury product. And in some cases, as many as eight units have been returned to a single store in a single day.
Customers have cited various reasons for returning their Apple Vision Pro headsets, such as discomfort due to the headset’s weight, eye strain after prolonged use, and dissatisfaction with the current state of the accessory’s operating system, visionOS, which includes a shortfall in app availability. Additionally, design-related issues have been mentioned, like the light seal that fails to block external light effectively, which not only detracts from the experience but also raises concerns about the product’s durability.
Moreover, there’s the matter of the isolating nature of the headset, which may hinder the ability to share the experience with others. Unlike an iPad or an iPhone, where content can be easily shared or demonstrated, the Vision Pro offers a much more solitary experience.
Apple is expected to release a second-generation Vision Pro within the next year and a half. It remains to be seen how the company will address these initial concerns and improve the user experience to reduce the likelihood of future returns.
For individuals looking for a virtual reality experience, the Meta Quest 2 is available for purchase on Amazon.
