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The main complaints about the Apple Vision Pro have been its cost and its weight. Apple is already working on a cheaper version, and a new patent suggests a way to make the headset lighter. People who tried it early on noted that the headset feels heavy after a while, and I felt the same when I used it.

John Gruber, a well-known tech commentator, shared similar thoughts:

“The Vision Pro is heavy. I wore it for hours without pain, but the weight does become tiring. You can’t forget you’re wearing it. Plus, it’s quite big, like a large, heavy pair of goggles on your face.”

During my hour-long session, I noticed the weight and comfort issues. Comfort is a big challenge with this kind of technology. On a warm day, even by UK standards, my upper face felt hot inside the headset, similar to my experiences with the Meta Quest 2.

The weight was particularly noticeable after about 30 minutes. With my Quest, I use an extra battery pack at the back, which helps balance the weight. However, the Vision Pro is front-heavy, and that was starting to bother me, especially when moving my head up and down.

A recent patent from Apple, highlighted by Patently Apple, offers a solution: moving the processor and other components away from the headset, much like they did with the battery.

The patent starts by discussing the problem:

“Head-mounted displays (HMDs) should be comfortable for long periods. As we add more features, battery life, and performance, we add more weight. We need to balance comfort with the device’s capabilities.”

A heavy front can make wearing the device less enjoyable. Apple recognizes this and suggests a need for a lighter HMD that doesn’t compromise on performance. They also tackle the heat problem, suggesting better ways to manage heat. Currently, the Vision Pro uses a separate battery pack to help with weight, and the patent suggests that the processing could be moved into this external “cartridge.”

This cartridge would house the processor, which would send video to the headset’s display, and could be attached or detached as needed. One idea is to have the processor in a unit that can either sit in the headset or be housed in an external case, providing flexibility in how the user wears the device.

It’s been a whole year since the Apple Vision Pro, a fancy AR/VR headset that costs $3,500, was released to the public. This high-tech gadget hasn’t sold as well as expected, which isn’t surprising because of its steep price. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, called it a product for those eager to jump into future tech.

Recent whispers suggest that Apple might stop making the current Vision Pro by the end of 2024. But don’t worry, they’ve got enough stock for now, and they’re already looking at creating a new version possibly this year.

What’s Next for Vision Pro?

There was talk about a second-generation Vision Pro, but those plans seem to be on hold. Instead, Apple seems more focused on bringing out a cheaper model.

A Small Update Coming Soon?

Instead of a major new model, we might just see a little update this year. Analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman think this update could include the new M5 chip, which would be better than the M2 in the current model. This could mean better performance, maybe even bringing the advanced Siri features from Apple’s other devices to the Vision Pro.

However, don’t expect big changes in how it looks or other major features. Apple might just use up leftover parts from the first model. Adding 5G could be on the table, but it’s uncertain if this update will include it or if they’ll save it for a bigger release.

A Cheaper Vision Pro?

Apple is interested in making a less expensive version of the Vision Pro, aiming for a price closer to that of a top-end iPhone. But this won’t happen soon; the earliest we might see this is 2027. Cutting costs while keeping quality is tricky, especially with the display. They might use cheaper materials and less powerful chips, and might even skip some features like the EyeSight display.

What About Apple Glasses?

There was an idea for lightweight AR glasses that would work with a Mac, but that project was dropped. Apple still dreams of AR glasses that don’t need to connect to another device for power, but they’re waiting for technology to catch up before trying again.

So, while we’ve celebrated a year with the Vision Pro, Apple is slowly steering towards making it more accessible and advanced, but patience will be key.

Apple Watch is known for saving lives, but now, Apple Vision Pro is making its mark in healthcare, especially in surgery and medical training. Harry McCracken from Fast Company shares how this expensive device is becoming unexpectedly useful in medical settings.

At UC San Diego Health, doctors use the headset to make operating rooms more efficient, reducing physical stress and enhancing work flow. Sharp HealthCare has also started a new center focused on spatial computing, and they’re hosting a big meeting where 300 experts are discussing how Vision Pro can be used in surgery, teaching, and more.

Susan Prescott from Apple was surprised at how quickly the medical community has taken to the Vision Pro. One surprising benefit? Its high price. Prescott explains, “It’s an exciting time where we’re bringing healthcare leaders together not just to listen, but to share and inspire each other with how they’re using Vision Pro.”

Even with its high cost, adoption in the medical field has been swift. UC San Diego Health’s surgeon, Ryan Broderick, describes how the Vision Pro helps in surgery:

“For the best surgical view, the screen should be right in front of your face. But in many surgeries, you have to twist and turn, which can strain your neck and back over time. The Vision Pro fixes this by letting you place screens exactly where you need them.”

The headset uses Apple’s M2 chip, like in their computers and tablets, and a special R1 chip to handle all the sensors. This setup helps prevent nausea and provides critical, real-time data during operations.

With the Vision Pro, surgeons can see their environment while also having virtual screens positioned for comfort. Dr. Broderick’s team tested this by streaming live surgery feeds directly into the headset, improving ergonomics significantly. They’ve already done over 50 cases with promising results.

Despite the $3,500 price tag, the value in healthcare is clear. Tommy Korn, an ophthalmologist at Sharp HealthCare, notes that typical operating room screens cost around $20,000 each. Here, Vision Pro not only offers ergonomic benefits but also seems like a cost-effective choice.

So, while the Apple Vision Pro might seem pricey at first glance, in the medical field, it’s proving to be an investment worth considering. Check out the full story by Harry McCracken at Fast Company for more insights.