
While WWDC 2023 showcased a number of crucial new products, the Apple Vision Pro was undeniably the star of the show. It's pretty quickly split opinions, with some showering glory on the technical innovation, while others scoff at the $3,499 retail price.
So far, I'm definitely in the first camp. Forget comparisons to all other VR headsets – that's not what Apple are going for here. Instead, the Vision Pro is like a new way to use a MacBook, with a few other cool features built-in.
And sure, it's a lot of money. But it's not disproportionate to other products in the Apple line. A 16-inch MacBook Pro will set you back more than two thirds of that price – and that's before you even think about upgrading any specs. By comparison – and when you factor in the other possibilities with the headset – I'd even argue that the Vision Pro is good value.
But that's not the full story. Users who require prescription lenses will need to add those into the equation. Apple has teamed up with Zeiss for those lenses, which magnetically attach to the headset to allow for the precise tracking to continue.
There's been no official word on how costly those might be – or indeed how wide a range of visual impairments they'll be available for. But we might have some indication, as popular Apple tipster, Mark Gurman, has taken a guess.
In a recent tweet, Gurman said, "I would guess that the Zeiss prescription lenses for the Vision Pro will be at least $300-600 a pair."
That's a fair chunk of change – particularly on top of the list price. The comment whipped other Twitter users into a frenzy, with one claiming it added "insult to a $3,500 injury."
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
It would certainly raise the barrier to entry for a large number of users. But, again, I don't think it's too out of line. A good pair of glasses could easily come to that sort of price. The justification for many is that you'll wear them all the time, but the design of the Vision Pro makes it a device you'll want to use for work and play, too.
As I said earlier, this isn't just any old VR headset. It won't be left in a drawer or on a nightstand until you fancy playing an immersive game, then go back there after. This is designed to be used all day as you're working, just as you would with a Mac. Then, in the evening, you could also use it to view immersive content.
If you're that kind of user, you may well end up wearing the headset more than your traditional glasses. And at that point, the price doesn't seem quite so scary.
Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
Amazon Big Spring Sale is now live with big savings across the store
In the US, Amazon.com has started its Big Spring Sale which runs through March 31
By Mat Gallagher Published
-
My favourite arcade machine of all-time is down to its lowest price ever
Save £100s / $100s on Arcade1Up cabinets during Amazon's spring sale – including Star Wars
By Rik Henderson Published
-
EU paves the way for iPhones and Android devices to ditch USB-C entirely
Clarification enables Apple, Samsung and others to switch to wireless charging only
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Apple's first foldable could come with an unexpected feature, claims expert
If it ends up being true, we'd be absolutely fine with it.
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Google's Pixel 9a does one simple thing that could tempt me away from iPhones after a decade
Google's played a blinder here
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple could have two Studio Displays in the pipeline, but there's mystery behind the second
The great Apple monitor mystery – is Apple making two Studio Displays or something even bigger?
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Google Maps design update finally comes to iPhone after Android owners have enjoyed it for months
It should make one-handed use much easier
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
MacBook Air M4 ups the power, battery life and is surprisingly cheaper
Apple announces a new MacBook Air with a big upgrade to M4 processing
By Rik Henderson Published
-
There's an ingenious and cheap way to make sure you never lose your camera
If you're worried about losing your expensive camera, this little device could help
By Chris Hall Published
-
5 must-know iPhone 16e facts and how it compares to iPhone 16
Apple's newest iPhone is an interesting addition
By Max Freeman-Mills Published