When Apple released the first iPad in 2010, it came with much fanfare and ushered in a new computing platform. Tablet computers, at the time, were an inch thick, weighed so much that a week of use gave Hulk Hogan’s bicep, and had a user interface that could only be described as terrible. The iPad changed all that in one fell swoop. And it cost a lot less as well.
The Vision Pro, on the other hand is heavier than its main competition, the Meta Quest, and costs about seven times more. And, having recently watched a friend trying one out at an Apple Store, I’m not convinced that the user interface is quite ready for the prime time.
Notes on the Apple Vision Pro demonstration
I went to a local Apple Store with a friend who had booked a demonstration. It was a fascinating experience. The Apple Store employee who guided my friend was equipped with an iPad mini that was paired with the Vision Pro. So, he was able to see everything my friend could see and give him some guidance as he navigated several apps.
The initial setup process took about 15 minutes. Having the Apple Store employee guide it was useful – it seemed to be reasonably complex. While someone who has used a VR headset before might be OK, I can see it being quite challenging for VR newbies.
Unsurprisingly, the entire demonstration is highly scripted. While about a third of the iPad screen showed what my friend could see, the script for the presentation scrolled along the left side of the display.
Over the course of about 30 minutes, my friend had the opportunity to try a bunch of things out. But there was little scope for experimentation and free play.
So, what’s the iPad connection?
When the first iPad was shown, Steve Jobs made it very clear that it was thin, light and very easy to use. There was no wrong way to hold it, just one button and it had the benefit of the iPhone making multitouch intuitive so everyone could use it instantly.
In contrast, the Vision Pro has a steeper learning curve.
And then there’s use cases.
When the iPad was introduced, there were ready made uses for it. Portable media consumption, education apps, great web browsing and easy access to email made it a useful companion. You could easily pick it up, check messages, tap in a note and then put it back down again.
There’s no way you can do the same with the Vision Pro (at least not yet).
The iPad came with a bunch of apps straight from the App Store as most iPhone apps could work. And it didn’t take long for developers to get on board.
The Vision Pro has not yet garnered the mass attention of developers.
Then there’s cost. The first iPad cost USD$499. That made it much cheaper than most of the Microsoft Tablet PC devices that were around that more or less defined what most people thought a tablet computer was.
The Vision Pro’s main competitor at the moment is the Meta Quest. It is not as technically advanced as the Vision Pro. But, at about one-seventh of the price, I don’t think the Vision Pro is seven times better.
Where does that leave us?
After watching the Apple Vision Pro demonstration I came away with two, somewhat contradictory conclusions.
1. The Vision Pro feels like a solution waiting for a problem to come along
I had the same feeling about the iPad but the problems it solved came around quickly. I was working as the Director of IT at a school at the time it was released and there was lots of buzz about the iPad’s potential. The iPad was quickly embraced by ordinary consumers.
My elderly mother had never used a PC in 2010. But once she had an iPad, she was on email, sharing photos and playing games.
The Vision Pro is a long way from that kind of usability.
2. The Vision Pro, or something that evolves from it, will become ubiquitous one day
Heavy headsets like the Vision Pro and Meta Quest are products of today’s available technology. In time, wearable tech like them will be made smaller, less isolating and better integrated into our day to day activities.
20 years ago, the idea that we’d all be carrying a smart device in our pockets that could be used for information sharing and consumption, communication and collaboration was a pipe dream. Today, Apple and Google have made the smartphone a part of every day life.
I can see the same happening with virtual or augmented reality devices. But not for a few more years.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.