Apple's AR Headset Lacks Direction | Opinion

The WWDC keynote began with a programmer chasing a thought bubble, symbolizing Apple's pursuit of augmented reality. The Vision Pro improves upon previous AR efforts but lacks a clear vision of its purpose. It promises a mix of productivity and entertainment, similar to HoloLens and Magic Leap, but with a steep price point of $3,500. The device addresses common complaints with older tech, but its vision is essentially identical to its predecessors. The iPhone, on the other hand, embodied a vision of a world where everyone had a fully capable computer in their pocket, offering concrete benefits. In contrast, AR devices like the Vision Pro promise a seismic shift in the way people live, but without the same benefits. The device's potential uses, such as watching stereoscopic 3D movies or playing games, are limited, and its cost, comfort, and battery life are concerns. Apple's lack of interest in gaming is also evident, despite the significant revenue it generates from games on the App Store. The Vision Pro's early versions need to show potential and articulate Apple's spatial computing vision in a concrete way to justify its pursuit.