Apple Vision Pro: Early Review and User Experience
On February 2, technology enthusiast Dr. Aarish Syed Ishaqi became the first person in New York to get his hands on the highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro, the latest addition to Apple’s product lineup. Arriving at the Apple store on New York’s Fifth Avenue in the early hours of the morning, Ishaqi, a self-described “crazy Apple fan,” eagerly purchased the $3,500 mixed reality headset to add to his growing collection of Apple products.
Ishaqi’s excitement and triumph were later captured in photos and videos as he emerged from the store, surrounded by a cheering crowd of Apple employees. The images quickly spread across the internet and social media platforms, cementing Ishaqi’s status as the unofficial poster-boy for the Apple Vision Pro.
Apple’s Revolutionary Device
Apple CEO Tim Cook has hailed the Vision Pro as a “revolutionary device” and a potential game-changer for Apple’s business. While the company has set modest expectations for this initial version, positioning it as a sought-after item for super-fans and developers, Apple ultimately aims to create a whole new product category, similar to the iPhone.
However, the big question remains: will the Vision Pro succeed where previous virtual reality and mixed reality headsets, such as Meta’s Quest 3 and Google Glass, have faltered? Early reviews of the Vision Pro have been positive overall, highlighting its impressive capabilities. Nonetheless, there are some concerns about its potential drawbacks, such as straining eyes and neck after prolonged use, as well as a limited number of available apps.
User Experience and Impressions
Fortune had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Aarish Syed Ishaqi, the first customer to own the Apple Vision Pro in New York. Ishaqi shared his experiences and thoughts on the highly anticipated device.
Expecting Some Hiccups
Ishaqi, who resides in New Jersey, allowed his entire family to try the Vision Pro. Although his sister and mother mentioned slight neck strain, describing the device as “a bit heavy,” Ishaqi himself did not find it too bothersome. He acknowledged the first-generation product’s minor downsides and anticipates future improvements from Apple.
As an oncology researcher and medical professional, Ishaqi is particularly enthused about certain medical applications of the Vision Pro. He envisions its potential in areas like surgical training and medical animation, recognizing it as a breakthrough in his field.
Impressed, But Limited Usage
Ishaqi primarily uses the Vision Pro for entertainment, such as watching movies and playing immersive games like the Synth Riders. He praises its exceptionally crisp imagery, comparing the experience to having a personal theater. However, he does mention limited battery life and occasional glare in dark scenes as minor issues.
Despite being impressed with the Vision Pro, Ishaqi confessed to using it less frequently than anticipated. He finds it a bit heavy and isolating, and wearing it in public draws attention and creates an uncomfortable social experience. As a result, Ishaqi primarily uses the device for approximately one hour a day to watch videos.
When asked whether it was worth the investment, Ishaqi acknowledged its high price tag and recommended it for avid tech enthusiasts like himself. He believes that as technology evolves and becomes more affordable, the Vision Pro will gain wider adoption among average consumers.
As an early adopter, Ishaqi has no plans to return the Vision Pro and is overall satisfied with his purchase.
Continued Coverage
For more coverage on the Apple Vision Pro, check out the following articles:
- A working parent’s review of the Apple Vision Pro
- Tim Cook pitches Apple’s new Vision Pro headset as a must-have for businesses despite augmented reality’s checkered history.
- If Apple can’t make smart goggles happen, nobody can. So, what happens if Apple fails?
