Friday marked the end of the 14-day return period for those who purchased Apple’s Vision Pro, and reports suggest that Apple is keen on understanding the reasons behind the returns. While the exact percentage of returned devices remains unknown, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman sheds some light on the common complaints among customers.
Return levels for the Vision Pro are difficult to determine due to the low number of units sold by each store. However, data from retail sources indicates that the return rate is likely average or slightly above average, depending on the location. Smaller stores have reported one or two returns per day, while larger locations have seen as many as eight returns in a single day.
Apple has not commented on the return rate but has instructed retail employees to gather feedback from customers returning their Vision Pros. Staff members are required to report any concerns to their managers, who then relay the information back to Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.
Gurman spoke with more than a dozen people who returned their Vision Pros and discovered that many of them cited similar reasons for their dissatisfaction. The top five complaints included the device’s weight, cumbersome nature, discomfort, lack of applications and video content, and limited productivity compared to using a regular external monitor with a Mac. Additionally, customers expressed concerns about excessive glare, a narrow field of view, eyestrain, and vision problems caused by the headset. Another issue mentioned was the inability to easily share the device with others due to the need for a precise fit.
One possible reason for disappointment may be attributed to the carefully curated demo experience provided by Apple in-store. While some stores reported a high conversion rate of customers trying the headset and subsequently purchasing one, many found that the everyday experience did not live up to the excitement of the demo.
In conclusion, while the Vision Pro impresses some customers initially, it appears that the discomfort and high price tag outweigh the device’s benefits for many. Apple’s interest in understanding the reasons for returns demonstrates their commitment to improving the product and addressing customer concerns. As the company continues to gather feedback, it remains to be seen how they will address these issues and enhance the overall user experience of the Vision Pro.
