Competition Revisited

Almost immediately after the keynote, critics were quick to attack both Apple and its loyal followers, claiming that Meta's upcoming Quest 3 headsets are significantly cheaper. However, many conveniently overlook the Quest Pro, a hefty $1500 device that resembles an outdated gadget from the 90s, requiring joysticks for basic functionality.

Even the Quest Pro fails to present a genuine threat; its limitations mirror those of Meta’s other headsets. Meta, as a company, offers little beyond social media platforms and lacks the cohesive ecosystem that Apple has built. While Meta could produce a more advanced headset than the Vision Pro, it would still fall short due to its reliance on the flawed Android operating system, which fails to captivate Apple’s customer base.

Apple's Vision Pro, whether critics acknowledge it or not, stands in a league of its own. Both Google and Meta have demonstrated how ineffective poorly executed AR, VR, and MR technologies can be. Observing Apple’s keynote reveals a clear direction: the company is focused on creating meaningful experiences, steering clear of the pitfalls that have plagued previous attempts at these technologies.

The challenge for tech enthusiasts is that they often underestimate the broader market. Many are content with subpar experiences, but the average consumer demands higher quality and refinement. As a software engineer, I can attest that polished user experience is crucial for success. Anything lacking in refinement risks alienating potential users for good.

Ultimately, quality user experience is what drives sales, and Apple Vision Pro delivers a compelling narrative.

Understanding Vision Pro for Everyone

Imagine taking the widely beloved MacBook Air, particularly the latest 15-inch model, and transforming it into a pair of ski goggles. Now, imagine adding another display, compacting it to the size of a postage stamp, and enhancing its pixel density to achieve over 4K resolution for each eye.

To that ski-goggle design, add an iPhone display, an array of cameras, a lidar sensor, and infrared sensors. Position speakers on a comfortable headband near your ears while housing the battery externally. If you manage to conceptualize this, you’ve essentially created the Vision Pro.

The Vision Pro operates as an independent device, similar to the latest MacBook Air, powered by the same M2 Apple Silicon chip. It also features an R1 chip, which adeptly processes the myriad sensor data.

In essence, the Apple Vision Pro is poised to be the most advanced portable personal computer to date.

Surprisingly Affordable

Feel free to think I'm out of my mind. I understand that $3499 is a significant sum, often exceeding monthly incomes for many. Yet, I struggle to label the Apple Vision Pro as overpriced. In fact, it could arguably be priced higher.

Rumors suggested a potential price of $3000, then speculation arose about a price drop to below $2000, implying that Apple intended to sell it at cost to gauge market interest. The latter seemed unlikely. Had it been priced around $1500, I would have likely purchased two, one for myself and another for my father, who could greatly benefit from such a device.

However, the Vision Pro is priced at $3499, which I find justifiable. Reflecting on its capabilities reveals that it includes nearly three retina displays, a full MacBook Air’s worth of technology, and an impressive array of sensors and software—all packaged in a stylish, futuristic design.

For perspective, the original MacBook Air launched at $1799 ($2534 in today’s dollars), and the Macintosh 128K debuted at $2495 ($7284 adjusted). Even the first iPhone was priced at $499 ($730 now). Apple has historically offered value that outpaces inflation, and this device stands as a testament to that legacy. The Vision Pro requires no additional peripherals; it generates an infinite number of virtual screens, making it a remarkable value compared to purchasing a MacBook Air and an external display.

In short, the Vision Pro offers an extraordinary value proposition that few other Apple products can match.

The Unique Design Factor

As a technology enthusiast, I must highlight the distinct look of the Vision Pro. It’s not merely a headset; it’s a statement. Wearing it draws attention, much like a bold hairstyle on a small dog. It’s impossible to ignore.

One of the standout features is EyeSight, which projects the user’s eyes and face onto an external screen, creating a surreal sense of transparency. Watching this during the Apple event, I felt as though I was witnessing science fiction become reality. Initially jarring, I found myself acclimatizing to the visual experience in a remarkably short time—an impressive feat.

Despite its seemingly extravagant cost, EyeSight could become one of the most compelling selling points. It’s designed more for observers than the wearer, providing a unique interaction that transforms how we perceive virtual reality technology.

EyeSight adds a rare human element to technology that often isolates users. It may seem odd at first, but you quickly adjust.

Just the Beginning

While I express my enthusiasm, many might argue that alternatives provide 80% of the functionality of the Vision Pro, albeit with less polish. Yet this highlights a fundamental issue: current AR, VR, and MR technologies have failed to capture mainstream interest, appealing only to a niche audience willing to tolerate inferior experiences.

The Vision Pro represents the baseline of what average consumers will expect. This iteration of augmented reality marks a turning point; anything less will struggle to gain traction.

Apple's Vision Pro announcement lays the groundwork for future developments in software and hardware. Just as the iPhone catalyzed a decade of innovation, subsequent iterations of the Vision Pro will serve as the foundation for future consumer technologies.

Reflecting on this, I can't help but think of an old Apple advertisement that still resonates today:

> “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” — Apple

Attila Vago — Software Engineer dedicated to enhancing the world through code. A lifelong tech enthusiast, writer, advocate for web accessibility, LEGO aficionado, vinyl collector, and craft beer lover. Read my Hello story here! Subscribe and/or become a member for more stories about LEGO, tech, coding, and accessibility! For those who follow less frequently, I also share insights on various topics and writing.

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