In a realm where the Samsung Galaxy XR is present, Apple encounters robust competition within the XR headset market. Is the freshly enhanced Vision Pro headset sufficiently upgraded to warrant its still-massive $3,500 price tag?
Mashable hasn’t yet had adequate hands-on experience with the new Vision Pro featuring the M5 chip and some additional comfort enhancements (although we have been impressed by the M5 chip thus far). However, initial reviews are starting to arrive. Let’s determine if these seemingly modest improvements are enough to elevate the Vision Pro from being a niche product two years post-launch.
What opinions do critics hold regarding Apple’s pricey new headset?
It offers enhanced performance and battery longevity
The most significant enhancement to the new Vision Pro is the integration of an M5 chip. This is Apple’s latest in-house silicon, and every critique highlighted that performance has seen an upgrade in this new device. There are also corresponding enhancements, including new 120Hz displays with increased pixel counts and extended battery life.
That being said, the boost in performance may not necessarily leave you impressed. CNET’s Scott Stein described the enhancements as “subtle,” but the specific improvements he mentioned do appear appealing.
“Hand tracking in games does feel a bit quicker. Synth Riders, which is the closest Vision has to a musical fitness game, keeps the glowing balls more smoothly attached to my hands,” Stein wrote. “Perhaps it’s due to the refresh rate. Applications and games load significantly faster, and the headset boots up much quicker. It should, given that the M5 is several generations ahead of the previous M2.”
Regarding battery life, the earlier model was rated for roughly two hours of regular use. Apple has increased that by thirty minutes this time and is additionally promising three hours of video playback. Mark Spoonauer of Tom’s Guide mentioned that the upgrade is genuine, but it remains relatively inconvenient to use due to its somewhat short battery lifespan.
“After an hour and a half with the Vision Pro, I was down to 55%, which is reasonably solid,” Spoonauer wrote. “If you’re seated and near a power outlet, you can keep the battery charged while you work and play, but it’s not enjoyable feeling as though you’re tethered.”
The new strap adds extra comfort
Strangely, the new Vision Pro is actually a bit heavier than its predecessor. This might seem challenging, especially since weight was a prevalent complaint regarding the first Vision Pro. Some additional context is warranted: The weight increase stems entirely from a new Dual Knit Band that rests both on the top and around the back of your head, providing enhanced comfort and stability during extended sessions.
Chance Miller of 9to5Mac discussed in their review how much more comfortable it is compared to the previous Vision Pro, which had various inadequate solutions to this issue. The new band is reportedly easy to adjust, as well.
“In practice, the Dual Knit Band is a significant upgrade over the Solo Knit Band and Dual Loop Band. It’s what Apple should’ve included from the beginning,” Miller wrote. “It’s more comfortable and plush, it’s more adjustable, it’s easier to put on and remove, and it looks superior to the Dual Loop Band. I’ve observed that the counterweight effectively alleviates pressure from my face during prolonged use of the Vision Pro.”
Nonetheless, it appears Apple hasn’t entirely mastered the comfort aspect of the Vision Pro just yet. Kyle Barr of Gizmodo expressed that the new band is an improvement over its predecessor, but it remains a heavy headset that will necessitate regular breaks for users.
“There’s no foolproof way to relieve the pressure from such a thick and heavy headset designed to rest over your eyes. Even if you can tolerate the discomfort, you’ll inevitably need to remove the headset to relieve any persistent eyestrain,” Barr wrote. “You know what? That’s okay. It’s beneficial to have a reason to step away from the computer and connect with nature, or at least escape from screens that constantly vie for your attention. Just remember to take the external battery out of your pocket when you stand up, or else your $3,500 headset might go tumbling across the floor.”
Not much has changed beyond that
Despite the notable upgrades in performance, battery life, and comfort, nearly every review of the Vision Pro M5 concludes similarly: This product is still in its early stages, and for $3,500, it’s likely not an essential item for anyone at this time.
There are reasons for this perspective. Although Apple has instituted a couple of other modifications with the new device, such as introducing support for PlayStation VR2 controllers, there remains a conspicuous absence of custom, spatialized apps for Vision Pro. At CNET, Stein also mentioned that it doesn’t consistently interact well with other Apple devices. To summarize, considerable work is still required, according to Stein.
“The Vision Pro still feels like a first-generation product. Apple must determine how to create future headsets that feel lighter, more akin to glasses.”