Good Housekeeping tech expert tried on the Apple Vision Pro. Here's how it went
This review comes from our partners at Good Housekeeping
This review comes from our partners at Good Housekeeping
This review comes from our partners at Good Housekeeping
As someone who covers tech products for a living, it's no secret that Iām generally not a big fan of . Sometimes, they make me feel nauseous, while other times, theyāre too heavy for my head.
Nevertheless, Iāve been dying to test out the highly anticipated ever since the innovative VR headset was announced in 2023. Arguably Apple's most exciting launch in years, I thought maybe this was it: My chance to finally change my mind about VR. After Apple announced that Vision Pro pre-orders would start on January 19, I decided to take the opportunity to get hands-on with the device and see if it lived up to all the hype.
At the , our product analysts and engineers test everything from to , to and more. Our team is constantly testing and reviewing the latest gadgets in our Media & Tech Lab, including many of the most popular VR headsets on the market.
Based on a 30-minute test drive of the Apple Vision Pro and my extensive knowledge of the VR market, I've compiled my first impressions below, including whether or not I think the high price tag is worth it. (Don't forget to bookmark this review, too, as I'll update this article with more detail once I've had even more time to test the Vision Pro.)
First impressions and setup
When I first held the Apple Vision Pro in my hands, I was immediately drawn to its sleek, futuristic appearance ā it's beautifully designed, which isn't surprising given that it's an Apple product. The exterior display is especially alluring.
Like a child on Christmas morning, I couldn't wait to start using it. But first, I had to set it up. The process was smoother and more straightforward than I expected. To start, you need to run through a face scan that feels similar to setting up Face ID on your iPhone (and I'll go so far as to say that it felt even easier than that process). Putting on the actual headset was also a seamless process, thanks to a comfortable, stretchy band that I was able to easily tighten around my head with a knob. (Similar to other VR headsets, high ponytails are a no-go though!)
Next, I set up eye tracking by looking at a variety of dots. Easy enough: I just followed the instructions, and before I knew it, I was staring at a home screen similar to an iPad. It felt like I had placed my MacBook on my head, and I appreciated the familiarity of the interface.
Whatās special about the Apple Vision Pro
Resolution
The Apple Vision Pro's micro-OLED display is impressive, to say the least. The crisp, bright resolution of the photos, videos and immersive experiences blew every other VR headset Iāve ever tried right out of the water.
During my demo, I got to watch dinosaurs come so close to me that it felt like I could actually reach out and touch them; another time, I was transported to Iceland with a panoramic view so beautiful I never wanted to leave. I even got to hang out in Maui for a few minutes in an immersive environment with a view of a volcano. One of the coolest things about these āenvironmentsā was that I could also open up apps or watch movies within them. So, if you want to escape your surroundings (a messy living room or an airplane cabin), you can.
Eye tracking and hand gestures
To navigate amongst the apps, the Apple Vision Pro relies on eye tracking and hand gestures, which I found to be super responsive and extremely accurate. For instance, all I had to do was look at a movie trailer and then pinch two fingers together to open it up. I also loved that I could have multiple screens pulled up at the same time.
I particularly loved that instead of swinging my hands around like a lunatic to point at something, I could calmly rest my hands in my lap and let my eyes do the work by pointing them in the right direction. It took a few minutes to get used to this, but once I got the hang of it, I was surprised at how intuitive everything felt.
Full immersion
The Apple Vision Pro features a digital crown located atop the headset. A quick rotation lets you alternate between a fully immersed environment and a partial immersion that blends the virtual world with the room you're sitting in (and anyone in it).
Even in the full immersion setting, I felt better knowing I wasn't totally disconnected from reality when I experienced an Apple rep who was speaking to me slowly fade into view. This "People Awareness" feature can come in handy when you need to be alerted of your surroundings, like when your dog jumps up on the couch, or a mom is trying to tell their kids that dinner is ready.
Spatial photos and videos
Another fun feature: You can shoot spatial videos on an iPhone 15 Pro (or the Apple Vision Pro itself) and then view them later on the headset. These are 3D videos that make you feel like you're part of the action on-screen, like sitting at the dinner table with friends.
While I canāt see myself shooting these videos anytime soon, I think it's a great way to capture content so you can relive important memories in the future, like a milestone birthday or a wedding. I can also see this being used as a way for families and friends who live far apart to stay connected.
Where there's room for improvement
Fit
Like other VR headsets, the Apple Vision Pro started to feel heavy after about 20 to 25 minutes. It's worth acknowledging that I didnāt feel nauseous for a single second, but I wish the device felt lighter. Once the demo was over, I was a bit relieved to be back in the real world, letting my face breathe. That said, it's possible the weight may not bother some people, and I'm sure I'd get used to the sensation over time.
Fitness
I'm bummed that Apple, the creators of , haven't yet mentioned anything about fitness or fitness apps on the Apple Vision Pro (though there is a Mindfulness app designed to help you take breaks throughout the day). When I tested the , some of my favorite activities were taking a kickboxing class and immersing myself in a fun Zumba workout. Iām sure fitness apps will become available down the line, but itās a shame that theyāre not already there.
Cables and battery
The Apple Vision Pro must be connected to a battery pack to function, so whenever youāre using it, thereās going to be a cable right by your head and a battery pack to hold. This isn't a dealbreaker, but as someone who often wears dresses and clothing without pockets, I could see this becoming a nuisance when trying to walk around.
Virtual Keyboard
Apple showed off its virtual keyboard as part of the demo. At first, I thought Iād be able to type like I would on a physical keyboard, but the experience is similar to using your iPhoneās touchscreen. You pinch your fingers to select the right keys, and overall, it felt a bit clunky to me. It's a minor detail, but for website navigation, I found I was better off sticking with Siri.
Glasses
If you wear prescription glasses, you canāt wear them with the Apple Vision Pro and will have to purchase custom ZEISS inserts instead. I think this ultimately allows for a more comfortable fit, but itās an extra cost to consider for an already very pricey device.
Final Thoughts: Is the Apple Vision Pro Worth It?
I can definitely see the appeal of using the cutting-edge Apple Vision Pro to watch immersive content, but its $3,500 price tag is a major drawback (and that's at a minimum). Personally, I also found it too heavy to envision using it on an airplane or even at home when I could just watch a movie on my TV instead. But if youāre looking for a truly revolutionary way to enjoy content with top-notch resolution and quality, the Apple Vision Pro might be worth the investment for you.
During the demo, I watched a few clips of 180Āŗ 3D 8K Apple Immersive Videos (which will be available on ) as well as 3D movies. I got to sit behind the goalie during a live soccer game, watch a concert up close and even observe sharks swimming by. During all this, I didn't want close my eyes and I felt like I was seeing the future ahead of me. Is this what content will look like going forward? The experience was a beautiful one, but I just wish I didn't have to wear something heavy and expensive over my head to have it.