Investing in Apple Vision from its first generation isn’t just about the hefty price tag of around $3,500. It also involves the time and effort spent getting fitted for the headset in person at an Apple Store. So, it’s surprising to hear that some first-gen Vision Pro owners are actually returning their purchases.
According to Mark Gurman, Bloomberg’s Apple correspondent, returns of the Vision Pro aren’t happening in large numbers, but they’re significant for such a high-end product. Some smaller Apple Stores have reportedly seen one or two returns per day recently.
In one instance, Gurman mentions that eight Vision Pros were returned to the same store on the same day. So, what’s driving these returns? Some buyers, even die-hard Apple fans, are finding the headset too heavy or causing too much eye strain.
Other reasons for returns include the limited development of visionOS, particularly the lack of available apps. There are also design issues, like the light seal not effectively blocking glare and potentially being prone to durability issues. Plus, wearing the headset can feel isolating, making it challenging to share the experience with others.
Compared to devices like iPads or iPhones, it’s harder to demonstrate or share the Vision Pro experience, which may contribute to buyer dissatisfaction.
With a second-gen Vision Pro expected to arrive in about a year and a half, it’ll be interesting to see if Apple addresses these issues.