Who Needs Apple’s Vision Pro VR/AR headset at $3499?

Who needs a $3499 VR headset? Absolutely no one. Asking that question is like asking who needs a car equipped with a V12 engine that can reach 60mph in 2.7 seconds.

This VR headset is not about buying for the necessity of the device its about buying to show off that you can afford it. Let’s start with the elephant in the room: the cost. At $3499, the Apple Vision Pro VR/AR headset undoubtedly falls into the premium price category. While it boasts impressive specifications and advanced technologies, this price point significantly limits accessibility for the average consumer. For most Apple users, the high cost alone may make it difficult to justify the purchase, particularly when there are more affordable alternatives available in the VR/AR market.

Now Apple has always been known as a premium price company and have always had quality productivity to back it up. But Apple products always had a choice of price range for consumer needs. Like how people can buy a $400 Apple watch or a $800 Apple watch depending on their wants and needs. People can buy a Macbook Air or a Macbook Pro and can customize the components to fit their productivity. People can buy Airpods, Airpod Pros, or Airpod Max all depending on their audio wants and needs.

You would think a $3499 VR headset is that a max option with all the bells and whistles but its the one and only option. You either cough up thousands of dollars or miss out.

Another factor to consider is the range of use for the Apple Vision Pro headset. While VR/AR technology offers exciting possibilities in various fields, including gaming, education, and productivity, it remains a niche market. The average Apple user may not have a compelling need for VR/AR functionality in their daily lives. For most users, their existing Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, or Macs, fulfill their needs adequately without requiring the additional investment in a dedicated headset.

I can’t imagine anyone dying for the possibility to see their photos floating in the air. VR headsets are still a primary tool for immersive gaming and while Apple has made advancements in gaming with Apple Arcade and bring AAA games to the MacOS ecosystem, I still can’t justify having a better experience gaming on the Vision Pro over the PS5 VR2 headset.

And at this price tag you’d expect to hold on to your Vision Pro for the next seven years or more like the lifespan of gaming consoles. But I don’t see Apple waiting seven years let alone five years to release the Vision Pro 2 that has enough upgrades to make your $3499 investment feel obsolete.

It’s only a matter of time that Apple releases the Airpod Max 2 that has enough upgrades to make me want to trade in my current Airpod Max for a $50 trade in credit that would only cover tax costs.

While the Apple Vision Pro VR/AR headset showcases Apple’s commitment to cutting-edge technology, it may not be necessary for most Apple users at the steep price of $3499. With limited use cases and accessibility challenges, the average user may find it difficult to justify the investment when more affordable alternatives are available in the market. As the technology continues to evolve, waiting for subsequent iterations or exploring other VR/AR options could lead to a more practical and financially sound decision. Ultimately, it boils down those who have the cash to throw away and those who are tech fanatics who will pay for a tech experience no matter what.