Why I'm Returning My Apple Vision Pro

I'm an 苹果 brand ambassador - potentially to a fault. If you know me well, you know I'm the automatic 'Yes' when asked if I got whatever gadget/update/software Apple has released. I've been this way since I can remember, buying into every single first-generation experiment that Jobs or Cook tossed into the world.?

So when I saw the Apple Vision Pro, I really, really wanted to pull the trigger. The promise of 'spatial computing' was too compelling to ignore. As someone who has worked remotely effectively for 23 years (Shout out to the OG Remote Army), I daydreamed about how this gadget would revolutionize my workday. Forget the fun stuff like immersive entertainment; I was ready to channel my inner 'Minority Report' and become exponentially more efficient.

Then reality hit. I'm the father of three amazing kids. My every waking moment is devoted to them. When it came time to purchase the Apple Vision Pro, I just couldn't justify spending $4k. I mean, that money goes a long way to our familial addiction to 华特迪士尼公司 and our trips to DisneyWorld, after all. But secretly, subconsciously, I still wanted it, and I anxiously awaited the reviews.?

As expected, the reviews were solid, especially about the spatial work aspect—you know, the bit I was most excited about.

Fast-forward to about two weeks ago. After successfully navigating a claw machine, my daughter decided that using a suction cup toy on her iPad was a stellar idea. Spoiler alert: it wasn't. ??♂? Off we went to the Apple Store. And like Bilbo with the One Ring, I found myself thinking, "Why shouldn't I" do the Apple Vision Pro (AVP) demo while I'm there? I deserve it.?

Boom. Sold. A few hundred bucks a month on my Apple Card (yes, of course, I have that, too), and I walked out with the AVP.?(Yeah, that's what the cool kids call it now. AVP. No, no - That doesn't stand for Alien vs. Predator anymore)

Throughout the whole purchase, a little voice was screaming in the back of my head at the cost. $4K isn't chump change, and $25 a month for AppleCare? I mean, we're talking two MacBook Pros. Heck, it's a darn car payment! It left me with an 'OMG, did I really just spend this money?

I got home and started my AVP experience and, as expected, enjoyed it. This device has plenty to love, and as usual, Apple nails the surface details and some deep-dive details, too. I was taken back to the first-generation iPhone. It's full of potential.?

Now, ten days in, I'm going to return it.?

Here's why...

Comfort and Fit

First, let's talk about comfort. Granted, I have a large head, but even with the included strap, the headset gets uncomfortable?after a while. And by a while, I mean 2 hours or so. It's not the weight; it's the fit. A more adjustable and ergonomic design could solve this, ensuring a perfect fit for all head sizes. I?actually?stopped using it a few days?ago,?because I dreaded putting it on.?(Yea, not good)

Connectivity and Usability

Connecting to my MacBook Pro should be seamless, but it's buggy. It rarely connects on the first, second, or even third try. I have to dive into the desktop settings on my MacBook Pro and manually select the AVP instead of using the 'connect' button in the spatial experience. Even when?it is?connected, the MacBook keyboard's functionality with AVP apps is hit or miss—mostly miss. Solving this immediate connection issue is at the top of my list for fixes. Apple is known for its ability to make things 'just work' - this does not.?(PS - I am only one Macbook Pro generation behind, and yes, all of my devices are always up to date with software)

There is another persistent issue: atop the virtual screen from my MacBook (when it does connect), a message reads, 'Input temporarily not working. Trying to?reconnect'—and it never goes away. ?? This is a?major?hindrance. Reliable connectivity and input functionality are non-negotiable.

If you want multiple 'screens' from your Macbook in the world of AVP, you have to be a semi-shady piece of software called SplitScreen for $20.?This?is where I felt that 'first generation' issue.?I'm sure multiple?screens from a connected computer will be included in future updates.?

Visual and Interaction Issues

Watching a movie in the dark? The experience halts because it can't see my hands. Enhancing the hand-tracking technology to function in low-light conditions would significantly improve the experience.?Oddly, this?wasn't already?accounted for in some manner.?

Another issue is the spatial window sizes—they're too big, and you can't adjust them as you want. At most, you can have about 3-4 items around you, and then things get to be a bit crowded. This particular issue may be a limit of technology. Even with the insanity of the pixel execution, my guess is my expectations need them to be even smaller to accomplish this challenge.?

Eye navigation is fantastic when it works but maddening when it doesn't. Improving eye-tracking precision, especially for tiny buttons and corner elements, would enhance usability.??

Last but not least, the Bluetooth connection to my headphones drops randomly, which is very annoying. My love for Apple products and the many that exist in my home are most likely causing some interference on where the headphones should be connected.

Persona and Miscellaneous Issues

So then there is the topic of my AVP-generated Persona. I'm amazed at how well the default settings render my virtual self. However, according to my Mom, I look high, which isn't great for business meetings. I've retried it several times, but I just can't get it right.?

While I was able to use the native AVP apps in collaboration with my Persona, there is currently no great solution for Chrome and Google Meet. So, if I happen to have a meeting in Meet, I have to abandon my AVP experience altogether.?

What about the people detection feature? It is set to detect everyone, yet it has never worked for me.?

Let's talk apps briefly. Just like when the iPhone launched, there are very few apps available right now. Time will change that reality, but it's a non-starter for someone looking to use some pretty common productivity apps and the promise of spatial computing.?

The Biggest Issue

Now we get to it. The lack of multiple profiles for family members makes it feel like a selfish purchase. My kids would love using the AVP, but it simply can't be a family device in its current form. And Lord knows I'm not buying five of these things—I can barely afford this one!?

Final Thoughts

I didn't?really?talk about the fantastic aspects of the AVP—there are many—but this post has gone on long enough. I will state that this device's entertainment experience is unmatched and honestly mindblowing. It beats anything that is IRL. ?Combine this with any version of AirPods (yes, of course, I have them all), you will never want to watch movies any other way.

However, with all its positives, it just isn't 'there' yet.

But, oh boy, the future is coming. I'll buy in again when they release Apple Vision Pro v3, and they fit and feel like Tony Stark glasses.