On the evening of January 19th, Apple's Vision Pro began pre-sales with a price of about 25,000 yuan. How is the user experience of this product? Would you consider purchasing it?

Summary of Apple’s New AR/VR Headset Experiences and Specifications

First-Hand Trials

Key opinion leaders in the United States have tried Apple’s official AR/VR headset. Two main drawbacks are:

• Weight: At 600-650g, it’s quite heavy, although more comfortable with a double headband.
• Typing: Users can’t type in the usual way; they must type letter by letter.

Overall, the experiences align with Apple’s promotions and receive generally positive reviews. Below are some detailed experiences:

MKBHD

Engadget (Addictive Technology)

• The Vision Pro device I tried today comes with a strap stretching to the back of the head. Wide, ridged, and soft, it seemed comfortable initially. However, after 15 minutes, I felt suffocated by the device’s pressure and in pain after another five minutes.
• The solution was switching to a lighter seal pad from the two options provided in the box (which also includes two straps).
• I was moved to tears seeing a video of my daughter from the future.
• Surprisingly, I recoiled when animals charged at me during a soccer game with rhinos.
• Watching an “Avengers” scene was exciting. Talking about the image’s realism sounds silly, but I didn’t notice any pixels.
• Typing involved looking at keys and tapping them with fingers or leaning forward to press buttons.
• Typing wasn’t as easy as on a real keyboard, but Apple’s eye and hand tracking systems worked impressively.
• Typing “Engadget” in Safari took several tries, unlike Apple’s generally seamless experience with pinch gestures and the original iPhone touch keyboard.
• The Apple Vision Pro is arguably the best and most well-thought-out VR, AR, and MR headset I’ve tried.

Richon Tech

• iPhone content is clearer than direct device captures. Panoramic images offer a special immersive experience with 360-degree views.
• Web browsing with Safari is effortless. Pages are clear, and scrolling is smooth. The on-screen keyboard offers various input methods like air typing, voice commands via Siri, and two-finger typing.
• I watched a “Super Mario Brothers” clip, viewable on a resizable screen or in immersive mode.
• An app allowed in-depth exploration of an F1 car, with various zoom and disable options. It could be a great learning tool.
• The device remained comfortable throughout the test with minimal adjustments, though some light leakage was noted.

The Verge

• I initially struggled with pinch and double pinch gestures, holding them too long. A light tap and release, similar to double-tapping on an Apple Watch, solved this.
• I flinched when a T-Rex made eye contact. The virtual environment of Haleakalā volcano was impressively realistic.
• At the end of my demo, I felt the headset’s weight, bringing me back to reality, along with a slight headache.

iJustine

Newly Disclosed Information about Apple’s AR/VR Headset

1. Available in 256G, 512G, and 1T versions, priced at $3499, $3699, and $3899 respectively.
2. Supports refresh rates of 90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz.
3. AirPlay support for compatible devices including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or smart TVs.
4. M2 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core NPU.
5. R1 chip with 12 ms latency and 256GB/s memory bandwidth.
6. Dual main cameras, six tracking cameras, four eye-tracking cameras, one depth camera, LiDAR scanner, and four IMUs.
7. Spatial audio support.
8. Six-microphone array.
9. Compatible with USB-C version of AirPods Pro (2nd generation) for ultra-low latency.
10. Average usage time of 2 hours, video playback for 2.5 hours; can be used while charging.
11. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 support.
12. Supports voice, hand, and eye inputs, as well as keyboard, mouse, and game controllers.
13. Weighs 600-650 grams.
14. Built-in apps included.
15. Packaging contents: main unit and accessories like protective cover, stable headband, charger, seal pad, cleaning cloth, 30W charger, and C2C charging cable.
16. Accessories are expensive: Storage case ($199), battery clip ($49.95), and battery ($199).
17. AppleCare+ costs $24.99/month or $499 for 2 years. Repair fees are additional: $29 for accessories and $299 for other damages.
18. Easier to order, with shipping times of 4-6 weeks; in-store dates are closer.
19. Supports English (US) only for language, input, Siri, and dictation.
20. Requires a US Apple ID.
21. Zeiss accepts prescriptions from US eye care professionals and ships only to US locations for customers with vision correction needs.
22. After-sales service available only in the US.

Will I Buy It?

I would consider purchasing it if a version is released in my country. Otherwise, the repair costs and potential damages make it less appealing. For those eager to experience it, the iPhone 15 Pro/15 Pro Max can be a preparation step. Don’t forget to avail of the New Year festival discounts and red envelopes, offering up to ¥9999, usable in three daily attempts.

For iPhone 15 purchasing advice, refer to my articles comparing iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max with iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, and a buying guide for the iPhone 15 series.

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Apple Vision Pro: Pricing, Payment Plans, and First Impressions

Apple Store in the US is now accepting pre-orders for the Apple Vision Pro, starting at $3499. This price point may deter general consumers, but large corporations, tech enthusiasts, and developers might consider it to experience or develop for Apple Vision Pro firsthand.

Apple Vision Pro offers a 12-month interest-free installment plan, costing $291.58 per month.

Purchasing the Apple Vision Pro requires an iPhone or iPad with Face ID nearby. The facial scan using these devices is necessary to determine the appropriate size for the Light Seal and headband, ensuring a precise fit. Users need to have the latest version of the Apple Store app for this face scan process.

For those requiring vision correction, Apple Vision Pro is designed to be used without glasses. Apple has collaborated with ZEISS to offer custom optical inserts that fit most prescriptions. Upon purchase, a few quick questions will assess the need for these inserts. If required, buyers will need to upload a valid, unexpired prescription from a U.S. eye-care professional after checkout.

Apple has also lifted the embargo on using the Vision Pro, allowing major media outlets and KOLs in the United States to share their experiences.

For more information, you can visit a detailed overview of the Vision Pro on websites such as MacRumors, which has a dedicated roundup page for the Apple Vision Pro.

Vision Pro details have been further explored in a new Apple Guided Tour.

Guessing the domestic selling prices:

• 256GB, 26,499 yuan

• 512GB, 27,899 yuan

• 1TB, 31,299 yuan

Developers of Vision Pro in China are mostly in my group, except for a few big companies that may buy it for business needs. Our small company has unanimously decided not to participate in the first round of purchases and will absolutely not make a purchase. We will wait until scalpers experience the retaliation of the times before considering buying.