After almost a week of experimenting with the Apple Vision Pro, I haven’t found its weight uncomfortable, at least when using the Dual Loop Band (shown above). When using the Solo Knit Band (which comes pre-attached and is shown below), I did begin to feel the weight somewhat. However, I do have another issue, which I’ll mention later.
Conveniently, the Apple Vision Pro comes with both so you have options for the fit that works best for you. I find the Dual Loop Strap and better for my noggin as the weight on the spatial computer is front-loaded, so the Dual Loop Strap works better than the Solo Knit Band at keeping things more stable (though it does mess up your hair even more). It features a pair of adjustable upper and lower straps for a personalized fit.
The Solo Knit Band
They both attach and detach easily; just snap ‘em right on, then pull the little orange tabs to disconnect them. I wish the mounting points were on the outside so I could pull the band around my head and clip it on instead of constantly pulling it over my hair.
The Vision Pro weighs 1.3 to 1.4 pounds (depending on the Light Seal and head band configuration), which is more than an 11-inch iPad Pro on your head. For comparison, the Meta Quest 3 weighs 1.1 pounds and the Meta Quest Pro 1.6 pounds.
Generally, I’ve used my Vision Pro while sitting or reclining (to watch movies), though walking around with it on is no problem. The headset apparently scans your physical environment invisibly to map rooms. When I get too close to an object, the virtual things in front of me go transparent and the headset warns me to move back. Pretty cool.
A couple of things to note: the light seal — which comes in two sizes — attach and detach magnetically. This means you definitely want to pick up the Vision Pro by the metal-and-glass frame (which Apple retail store employees emphasize when you go in for a fitting or demo). If you pick it up by the light seal, it can easily disengage and send your ultra-pricey spatial computer crashing to the floor.
One thing that Apple doesn’t mention very much is that the Vision Pro’s tinted, continuous front panel that wraps around your eyes conceals a fan that draws air through the headset to cool the spatial computer. Through I’ve never used the Vision Pro for more than three hours continuously, I’ve never felt the fans kick in or the system get hot.
As for the other issue I mentioned, when I wear the Vision Pro for a long time, it begins to make the bridge of my nose sore. If not for that, I could wear it for a really long time. I’m not sure what the solution is. Work my way up to wearing it longer and longer to let my nose adjust? Hope a company comes out with a solution? Or resign myself to just using the spatial computer for short periods? I’m not sure.
In summary I’ve found the Vision Pro to be surprisingly comfortable to wear for a couple of hours at a time — and it would be even longer if not for that sore nose bridge matter. That said, I must immodestly point out that I’m a reasonable fit person. If you have health issues — especially with your neck or upper back — or if you use the Vision Pro for really long periods of time, your mileage may vary.
