Apple Vision Pro Returns Surge: Discomfort and Productivity Concerns Cited
19 Feb 2024
Apple's recently launched Vision Pro has seen an upsurge of returns from early buyers, with complaints ranging from physical discomfort to challenges with productivity. First introduced on sale in America on February 2, the return trend began emerging as the firm's stipulated two-week return period dawned.
Unhappy clients erupt across social media, recounting experiences of returning or their intention to return this mixed reality headset. The principal complaints highlight discomforts such as headaches, motion sickness, and eye irritation. Many link these issues to the device's weight and strap design. It's worth noting that the Vision Pro, depending on configuration, can tip the scales at up to 650g, not including a separate 353g battery pack.
That said, most wearable devices come with their unique sets of issues, largely based on their compatibility with different users. Dry eyes and redness are common complaints among users of virtual reality headsets. In the same vein, smart ring users often grapple with size inaccuracies, and hefty smartwatches can pose problems for individuals with smaller wrist sizes.
Productivity challenges are another prominent complaint among Vision Pro users. Compared to conventional PCs or laptops, users find the headset's 'spatial computer' less effective and versatile, particularly considering its hefty price tag. The device is reported to give its users a dizzying experience when looking at certain screens, and difficulties in multitasking and switching between tabs. Some have also reported that Vision Pro does not support all file types.
Despite these setbacks, some users remained optimistic about the technology and indicated a willingness to explore an improved second-generation headset. However, this report should be treated with caution, as it is largely anecdotal, without concrete data to back up the claims.