The newly released Apple Vision Pro headset has been met with excitement but also some valid criticism regarding its software bugs and lack of polish. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, who obtained one of the first Vision Pro review units, has provided his initial impressions on the device’s rough edges along with its immense potential.
In a newsletter, Gurman described the Vision Pro software as “the buggiest first-gen Apple product I’ve used.” He encountered inconsistent operation and features that simply failed to work properly. This suggests Apple still has work to do in refining the software experience through rapid and frequent updates.
However, Gurman emphasized that the foundation is strong, with the Vision Pro already capable of “a ton” in terms of functionality. He believes that once Apple smooths out the bugs, the headset will be “incredible.” Unlike the original iPhone which was limited at launch but not buggy, or the first Apple Watch which had inferior hardware, the Vision Pro offers advanced capabilities and technology hampered primarily by software gremlins.
After only a few days of use, Gurman said it was difficult to provide an in-depth review. But his first impressions are that the Vision Pro has tremendous potential as a portable movie watcher, video chat device, and basic computing solution. In many ways, this mirrors the role of the iPad for many Apple customers today.
Looking ahead, Gurman predicts a future version of the Vision Pro headset could ultimately replace the iPad for some users. The key factors that will enable this are continued reductions in price, weight, and overall wearability as comfort increases over time. For now, Gurman prefers to view the Vision Pro as an early peek at the future of computing rather than a fully evolved product.
The purchasing process also differentiates the Vision Pro from other Apple devices given the need for custom facial scanning, product demonstrations, and specialized lens fittings. This hands-on approach provides an initial setup experience that aims to optimize comfort and visual clarity for the wearer.
While the $3,000 price tag is steep, initial demand has proven substantial with an estimated 160,000 to 180,000 pre-orders in the first weekend. As Apple works through software imperfections, many believe the Vision Pro has the ingredients to open an exciting new frontier for the company.
Have you ordered an Apple Vision Pro headset? What are your thoughts on Gurman’s perspective? Let us know in the comments!
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