Apple Vision Pro Three Months Later: Are Early Adopters Still Using It?

Apple released the Vision Pro in February 2024 to massive fanfare. Now that the initial excitement has settled, the $3,499 mixed reality headset faces the ultimate test. We are looking at whether early buyers are still strapping it to their faces every day or if it is gathering dust on a shelf.

The Reality of Daily Physical Use

When the Apple Vision Pro launched on February 2, 2024, the tech world praised its incredible displays and eye-tracking technology. However, physical comfort quickly emerged as the primary hurdle for daily use. The headset weighs between 600 and 650 grams depending on the Light Seal and headband configuration. By comparison, the Meta Quest 3 weighs 515 grams.

This weight sits entirely on the front of the user’s face. Apple includes two bands in the box. The Solo Knit Band looks great but offers no top support. The Dual Loop Band provides better weight distribution over the head, but many users still report neck fatigue and forehead pressure after an hour of use. Three months later, early adopters frequently cite this physical discomfort as the main reason they use the device for shorter sessions.

The tethered battery pack is another friction point. Providing roughly two hours of general use (or up to 2.5 hours of video playback), the aluminum battery must stay connected via a proprietary cable. Users have to slip the battery into a pocket or rest it on the couch beside them. While it keeps the headset from being even heavier, managing the cable has proven to be a persistent annoyance for active users.

Where the Vision Pro Still Excels

Despite the physical drawbacks, the Vision Pro delivers an unmatched visual experience. The device features two micro-OLED displays packing a combined 23 million pixels. This hardware allows the Vision Pro to shine in two specific areas: media consumption and the Mac Virtual Display.

For early adopters who travel frequently, the Vision Pro has become the ultimate airplane companion. Apple included a dedicated Travel Mode that stabilizes the interface on moving vehicles. Watching movies on the native Apple TV+ or Disney+ apps feels like sitting in a private IMAX theater. The 3D movie experience is widely considered the best available on the market today.

Productivity also remains a strong point for a specific subset of users. The Mac Virtual Display feature allows you to look at a compatible Mac computer and project its screen into your virtual space as a massive, crisp 4K monitor. Software developers and video editors who need large screen real estate in tight physical spaces still boot up their Vision Pro headsets daily just for this feature.

The Missing "Killer App"

Hardware is only as good as the software it runs. When the headset launched, Apple touted a new App Store dedicated to visionOS. Three months in, the ecosystem is growing but still lacks essential applications.

Major media companies actively chose not to build native apps for the platform. Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube are notably absent. Users must access these services through the Safari web browser or rely on third-party alternatives. For example, a developer created an app called Juno specifically to give Vision Pro users a better YouTube experience.

Gaming is also severely limited. While you can play iPad games on a flat virtual screen, immersive virtual reality games are scarce. The headset does not use physical controllers, relying entirely on hand gestures and eye tracking. This input method is brilliant for navigating menus but terrible for fast-paced gaming.

Social Isolation and the Persona Problem

Virtual reality is inherently isolating, and Apple tried to solve this with two features: EyeSight and Personas. EyeSight uses a front-facing screen to display a digital rendering of the user’s eyes to people in the same room. Reviewers and users agree that the front screen is too dim and low-resolution to be effective.

Personas are 3D digital avatars used for FaceTime and video calls like Zoom or Webex. At launch, these avatars looked robotic and fell deeply into the uncanny valley. Apple released the visionOS 1.1 update in March 2024 to improve the appearance of Personas. While the update added better hair rendering and more natural facial expressions, many users still feel awkward using them in professional meetings.

The Secondary Market and Retention

Because of the high $3,499 entry price and physical limitations, the secondary market tells a revealing story. Once the standard 14-day return window closed at Apple stores, websites like eBay and Swappa saw a surge of used headsets. As of May 2024, slightly used base models (256GB storage) frequently sell for closer to $2,600 to $2,800.

Many early buyers realized they simply did not have a daily use case to justify keeping a $3,500 computer on their face. However, those who kept it generally fall into two categories: tech enthusiasts who want to follow the evolution of visionOS, and professionals who use it exclusively as a portable multi-monitor setup for their MacBooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear glasses with the Apple Vision Pro?

No. The device sits too close to the face to accommodate traditional eyeglasses. Users who require vision correction must purchase custom Zeiss Optical Inserts. These attach magnetically to the lenses inside the headset and cost $99 for reading lenses or $149 for prescription lenses.

How long does the Vision Pro battery last?

The external battery pack provides approximately two hours of mixed general use. If you are exclusively watching downloaded video content, it can last up to two and a half hours. You can also plug the battery pack directly into a wall outlet for continuous use.

Does Netflix have an app for the Vision Pro?

No. Netflix has stated it does not currently have plans to build a native visionOS app. Users who want to watch Netflix on the headset must log into the website using the Safari browser.

Is the Apple Vision Pro heavy?

Yes. The headset weighs between 600 and 650 grams depending on your specific band and Light Seal setup. This is heavier than many competing headsets and places most of the weight directly on your cheeks and forehead.