Apple Vision Pro: One Year Later 

Published: Feb 04, 2025, 8:37 AM 

On February 2, 2025, we marked the first anniversary of the launch of the Apple Vision Pro, a highly anticipated product that promised to revolutionize our smartphones and redefine computing.

However, things didn’t unfold as expected.

The Verdict on the Apple Vision Pro

For a product meant to transform the world, like the Apple Vision Pro, success isn't solely about sales or specifications. The real question is: are people using it? Does it genuinely improve their lives?

One year after its launch, the answer is clear. In our office, we have an Apple Vision Pro available for anyone to use. It’s free and there’s no line — just take it, set it up, and use it. It sounds ideal, but here’s the reality: in the last six months, no one has even asked to use it!

It’s gathering dust, and I had to recharge it to refresh my memory for this article.

That said, I’m not saying there’s no demand for it. I personally used the Vision Pro for a couple of weeks and appreciate its technology. It could be a game-changer in specific use cases, like in operating rooms.

A Misguided Strategy

Before examining the product itself, let’s discuss Apple’s strategy with the Vision Pro.

A Problematic Design

One major flaw of the Vision Pro is its weight. It’s the only mixed reality headset made of aluminum, which is impractical. While other companies have been working to lighten their headsets, Apple opted for a distinctive design, sacrificing comfort.

The Vision OS 1 operating system was somewhat rudimentary at first, and the early versions of the "Personas" received laughs. Fortunately, Apple quickly addressed these issues.

Vision OS Update History:

• 1.0 — Initial version.

• 1.1 (March 2024) — Improvement of Personas.

• 1.2 (June 2024) — Performance enhancements.

• 1.3 (July 2024) — Bug fixes.

• 2.0 (September 2024) — New gestures, spatial photos, 3D environments.

• 2.1 (October 2024) — Bug fixes and security updates.

• 2.2 (December 2024) — Larger ultrawide Mac virtual display.

• 2.3 (January 2025) — Bug fixes and security updates.

Apple has done well to improve the software, and the larger virtual display has transformed the Vision Pro into a more capable productivity tool. However, the content is still largely missing.

A Lack of Content

There are no games or exclusive programs that fully utilize the capabilities of virtual reality. The promises of immersive experiences, like watching NBA games with a live view, have not materialized. Producing such content is difficult and expensive.

It’s also surprising that Apple hasn’t invested meaningfully in gaming, considering that a significant portion of VR users are gamers. These two areas need substantial improvement in the future.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Vision Pro represents a setback for Apple. Following the canceled Apple Car project, the disappointing sales of the Vision Pro were surely not what Tim Cook hoped for.

Nevertheless, I remain excited about mixed reality glasses, and some of my experiences with the Vision Pro were impressive. However, Apple must go back to the drawing board before launching the Vision Pro 2. They may not have many more chances to get it right.