The relative lack of consumer interest in Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset is reflected in the disappointing initial sales figures for what Apple calls its ‘spatial computer’. The device's price and limited uses may explain this situation.

Apple's very first mixed-reality headset, released in February in the United States, is posting lackluster sales figures. According to initial data provided by IDC and published by Bloomberg, Apple has reportedly sold fewer than 100,000 units of the Vision Pro in its first quarter. And sales could fall by 75% in the current quarter. This will be disappointing for the Apple brand, which has been more used to spectacular product launches in the past.

One of the reasons for this slow uptake is likely to be the device's price. Currently selling for $3,500, consumers will probably have to wait until 2025, and the launch of a more affordable version (about half the price), to show more interest in the headset

But the crux of the matter, for this type of product, is the content available to users. And there's very little of it, so usage is highly limited. As a device, the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset offers a wide field of vision, equivalent to a large screen, for use for work or entertainment purposes. While technically impressive, the Vision Pro lacks the "killer app" that would bring real added value to the product and make it a must-have. In fact, outside Apple's catalogue of applications, the offer is still very limited.

In addition, the product is bulky, with a battery that you carry on your body, connected by a wire to the headset. What's more, wearing a headset weighing over 600 g can quickly become tiring. Last but not least, its use is limited to enclosed spaces for the time being, so there's no question of interacting with the environment outdoors.

For all these reasons, Apple's spatial computer is likely to remain a niche product, at least for the time being.

 - AFP Relaxnews