Apple Vision Pro review: Is Apple's $3,499 futuristic headset worth the hype?

Tech journalists and publications have early access to Apple Vision Pro. Reviews suggest impressive features but potential drawbacks at a high price.

Apple's latest product, the Vision Pro, has finally been released, and early access reviews from journalists and tech publications are pouring in. The highly anticipated headset features two micro-OLED displays with an impressive 23 million pixels per eye, a 90Hz refresh rate, and advanced eye tracking and foveated rendering technology. Inside, it is powered by a dual-chip design with an Apple M2 chip, a dedicated R1 chip for sensor input, 12 cameras for eye and head movement tracking, and storage options up to 1TB.

The price tag for the Vision Pro starts at $3,499, and pre-orders have already surpassed 160,000 units within the first week. But is it worth the hype? Reviews from various sources offer different perspectives. The Verge's Nilay Patel describes it as "magic until it's not," highlighting its impressive capabilities but also noting a sense of isolation. CNET gives it a score of 7.8 out of 10, praising its ability to blend the real and virtual worlds but pointing out issues with the hand-eye interface and compatibility with glasses.

One common criticism across reviews is the high price of the Vision Pro, especially considering the lack of native apps for popular streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the practicality of the headset, with some reviewers noting that the battery can be cumbersome and the overall weight of the device can impact the user experience.

Despite these criticisms, there is a consensus that the Vision Pro offers an unparalleled experience, with CNBC's Todd Haselton expressing a desire for a more affordable price point to make it more accessible to a wider audience. Overall, the reviews from early access users provide a comprehensive look at the strengths and limitations of Apple's latest innovation.

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