With the launch of Apple’s Vision Pro augmented reality headset nearing, accessory makers like Belkin are gearing up to release complementary products. As reported by Mark Gurman, Belkin will offer a clip that can attach the Vision Pro’s required external battery pack to clothing.
This battery clip will launch on February 2nd alongside the Vision Pro itself. Both the headset and clip will be available for purchase at Apple retail stores.
The Vision Pro is not a wireless device – it needs to remain connected to its separate battery pack in order to function. Apple engineers faced a dilemma with this detachable pack, as some users may struggle to find a convenient place to store it. The battery pack can’t simply be slipped into a pocket.
Belkin’s clip looks to address this by allowing the battery to be securely fastened to a belt, waistband, strap, or other part of a user’s outfit. But is this truly the most elegant solution?
The Vision Pro already faces criticism for its bulky, sci-fi like design. Adding a dangling battery pack to the ensemble may only exacerbate the clunky aesthetics. Additionally, having extra weight suspended from your clothing could potentially impact comfort and mobility while wearing the headset.
Of course, the accessory ecosystem for a new product like the Vision Pro will continue to evolve over time. But out of the gate, Apple may want to focus on streamlining and shrinking the required battery rather than mitigating it through clips.
The Vision Pro shows immense promise to revolutionize augmented reality and merge the digital and physical worlds. But for mainstream adoption, Apple needs to refine the device into a more discreet, comfortable, user-friendly package.
Hopefully the upcoming February 2nd launch provides a slick, polished introduction for the Vision Pro. But if not, accessories like Belkin’s battery clip may be stopgap solutions until Apple can perfect the headset’s design in future iterations. The potential is limitless, but it may take time to fully unlock.
