Apple Vision Pro M5 Review: Time for Tough Choices
▼ Summary
– The author initially used the Vision Pro extensively for entertainment, work experiments, and app development after its 2024 launch.
– Over time, the author’s usage declined as the novelty faded and practicality became more important than the device’s cool features.
– The Vision Pro faces challenges with limited content availability and tepid developer support, which Apple has tried to address.
– Even dedicated fans in the Vision Pro subreddit report having to make an effort to use the device regularly.
– The device’s adoption struggles are partly due to a chicken-and-egg problem where stronger developer and content creator support could have encouraged daily use.
Finding the right moment to evaluate the Apple Vision Pro can be tricky, especially with recent software and hardware updates. This mixed-reality headset continues to inspire both wonder and frustration, leaving many users to question its long-term place in their tech ecosystem.
My initial experience with the Vision Pro was filled with excitement. I explored its capabilities extensively, from watching films during flights to experimenting with spatial computing by placing virtual application windows around my home. I sampled an array of games and educational tools and consumed every piece of immersive video content available. I was so engaged that I even attempted to create my own applications for the platform.
However, that initial fascination gradually faded. As the months passed, my usage declined significantly. While the technology itself remains impressive, its practical value in daily life started to feel limited. By the time the updated model arrived for review, my original headset had been largely shelved, only occasionally pulled out for entertainment during travel.
This pattern of declining engagement appears to be widespread. Even within dedicated online communities for Vision Pro enthusiasts, where you would expect to find the most passionate advocates, a common sentiment emerges. Many users express that while the device is undeniably cool and innovative, they find themselves making a conscious effort to incorporate it into their routines, rather than it becoming a natural, indispensable tool.
A significant part of the struggle lies in the ecosystem. Developer and content creator support has not yet reached the critical mass needed to sustain daily use. This creates a classic dilemma: without a rich library of apps and experiences, users don’t engage consistently, and without a large, active user base, developers are hesitant to invest heavily in creating new content. It’s a challenging cycle to break, and for the Vision Pro, breaking it is essential for its survival.
(Source: Ars Technica)
