Do Not Dismiss Apple's Pricey New Headset Too Prematurely

The Vision Pro has turned mixed reality computing interesting

- DAVE LEE

Let's start with a big caveat: We don't know how Apple's Vision Pro headset will handle the real world. After years of anticipation, Apple on Monday unveiled the headset-which mixes elements of the digital and physical world-and offered big promises on mainstream potential.

Only extensive use of the device will reveal whether Apple has another iPhone-like hit on its hands-or rather, on our faces. Will it be comfortable to use the device for extended periods, or will it make some users queasy? Will we adjust to wearing what looks like high-tech ski goggles, or will it feel silly to put it on in public? Will consumers be willing to spend $3,499 on the device once it goes on sale next year?

Wall Street evidently wasn't impressed by the price or the time frame: After a day of stock market gains, Apple's shares fell as the world took in what the company had spent years developing. But it's way too soon to write off Apple's entry into what the company called "spatial computing." Indeed, even if Apple's initial device fails to gain traction, what we saw at Monday's launch demonstrated potential for becoming an essential new computing platform.