Apple Vision Pro Weight: Is The Headset Too Heavy?

If you plan to invest in Apple’s innovative mixed reality headset, recent rumors about potential Apple Vision Pro weight issues might give you some cause for concern.

After all, while Apple’s brand-new device promises a lot of attractive features, from next-level spatial computing to 4K video, you won’t be able to unlock the system’s full benefits if it’s too uncomfortable to wear. Since announcing the Vision Pro, Apple has made some ambitious claims.

It says the device will introduce a new age of “spatial computing” to the modern world, combining state-of-the-art video and audio with intuitive functionality. Unfortunately, the company hasn’t revealed many specific details about how much the headset will weigh.

Here’s what we know about the Apple Vision Pro weight issue and how the device compares to other leading competitors in the XR market.

Apple Vision Pro Weight: How Much Does it Weigh?

Apple is infamous for staying tight-lipped on the exact specs of its new products. We usually only see the exact specifications of a new iPhone, Mac, or iPad when it’s officially released. Unfortunately, Apple has extended the same philosophy to the Apple Vision Pro.

To date, these are the current specs revealed by the company, which could change prior to the device’s release.

This means we’re left speculating on rumors combined with direct insights into Apple’s design process, materials used, and specific goals for the headset. When it comes to estimating Apple Vision Pro weight, there is some helpful data available.

Though Apple has yet to reveal an official release date for the headset, they are already sharing prototypes of the device with their team members for testing and development purposes.

Early tech reviewers have said the device weighs anywhere between 1 and 1.5 pounds (somewhere between 453g and 680g). According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, during demonstrations and events like the Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) 2023, testers expressed concerns that the metal-framed device was too heavy for long-term use.

Though an exact weight hasn’t been revealed, Apple does seem to be taking this feedback into account. Rumors indicate that Apple could be working on a secondary strap for the headset. This would help secure the device to the wearer’s head, though it’s difficult to say whether it would address the weight issue directly.

The Factors Affecting Apple Vision Pro Weight

Apple says it has been working on its flagship spatial computing device for several years.

The time and money invested into the project hasn’t just gone towards making this device one of the most innovative in the XR market. Apple has also ensured the solution is as comfortable and ergonomic as possible. While we might not have any clear Apple Vision Pro weight specs on the Apple website, we can see clear evidence of the company’s focus on comfort.

For instance, the primary strap used with the device promises to provide cushioning, breathability, and stretch to ensure an excellent fit for every consumer. What’s more, Apple is ensuring users can customize their XR experience with an easy-to-use adjustment dial.

Apple has even crafted a modular system for the part where the headset meets your face, offering a “tailored” experience for each “Light Seal” on the device. Apple has also removed the battery pack from the device, which helps to remove some of the extra weight from your head and face.

However, Apple’s approach to creating a “premium” experience for users means the device may suffer from unavoidable issues. For example, Apple’s device features much heavier materials than some of its competitors. The frame is made with a custom aluminum alloy, and the visor features glass rather than plastic.

Additionally, since the Vision Pro is a standalone headset, all the computing technology used to power the device is located within the wearable itself. This means the device will undoubtedly have some heft compared to other systems that connect to a separate computer.

Is the Apple Vision Pro Too Heavy?

Apple Vision Pro weight issues might not seem like a dealbreaker if you’re searching for an innovative XR device. However, the weight and size of a wearable can contribute significantly to “VR sickness” and general user discomfort. If you’re planning on using Apple’s headset for long collaboration and creativity sessions, there’s a risk the weight could lead to side effects.

Mark Gurman said early testers felt they could only comfortably use the headset for around half an hour without motion sickness. However, testers don’t describe the headset as “uncomfortable.” The main issue with the device is that the weight appears to be focused on the front of the headset, leading to some imbalance.

Notably, if we use the rumored Apple Vision Pro weight specs to compare the device to other options on the market, the headset doesn’t appear to be much heavier than some other solutions. The Vision Pro falls on the lighter end of the spectrum:

Some competitors of the Vision Pro, such as the Meta Quest Pro and the Valve Index, are a lot heavier, perhaps due to the addition of the battery pack in the headset itself.

A heavy headset isn’t a new problem in the XR space. Many developers still struggle to make these wearable devices as comfortable as possible without compromising performance.

Is the Apple Vision Pro Comfortable?

For any company considering investing in a VR headset for immersive collaboration and similar use cases, comfort should be a primary concern. VR sickness is one of the main factors preventing the widespread adoption of XR tools in the corporate landscape already.

However, despite rumors suggesting Apple Vision Pro weight issues are problematic, it’s worth noting the headset isn’t necessarily uncomfortable. The device may be (understandably) front-heavy, but Apple is taking measures to counteract this issue.

For instance, introducing an additional strap, alongside the primary strap shown on Apple’s marketing materials, will address several comfort issues. The extra strap will help evenly distribute the headset’s weight, making it feel more balanced. It should also help to keep the headset snug to your face when you’re moving around, which is ideal for XR training.

What remains uncertain is whether this extra strap will be included as standard with the headset’s hefty price tag of $3,499 as noted at the WWDC. There aren’t many marketing images showcasing the added strap, although testers have apparently been advised to use it.

This could mean you have to invest a little extra into your new Apple device to ensure it’s comfortable enough for long-term use. On the plus side, there are various “comfort” and usability features already built into the device, such as:

• A digital crown for complete control over your immersion levels
• 4K visual quality to minimize eye strain and discomfort
• Spatial audio for deeper immersion
• Precision hand and eye-tracking to help with usability
• Real-time 3D mapping to help with mixed reality
• Customizable lenses for people who wear eyeglasses
• Pancake lenses for added visual clarity and weight reduction

Is the Apple Vision Pro Weight Issue a Problem?

Ultimately, though we don’t have exact Apple Vision Pro weight specs to reference, it’s unlikely the company will produce the heaviest headset on the market. Apple is clearly taking steps to ensure its headset isn’t just sleek and sophisticated but also comfortable.

It’s in Apple’s best interests to ensure users have the best possible experience with this device. After all, the headset is a lot more expensive than many of its competitors, such as the Meta Quest 3. If Apple is going to justify that price tag, it must ensure people can effectively use the headset without suffering from motion sickness and headaches.

Even the best XR headset is worthless if it’s too uncomfortable to use. Plus, since Apple is targeting professionals and commercial users (as well as everyday consumers) with its device, it must ensure it is suitable for long-term wear. The company wants to ensure teams can use this headset for various spatial computing tasks, collaboration, product design, and more.

While the headset might not be the lightest option available on the market, Apple will undoubtedly work to make it as comfortable and intuitive as possible.

FAQ

Is the Vision Pro too heavy?

While some reports suggest early testers of the Apple Vision Pro considered it to be too heavy after hours of continuous use, it’s unlikely to be very uncomfortable. Discomfort is common with virtually any high-quality headset, particularly when you’re using the headset for long periods.

Is the Apple Vision Pro wireless?

The Apple Vision Pro is a standalone headset but isn’t wireless. There’s a wire connecting the headset to the battery pack. Additionally, you can choose to keep the battery pack connected to an outlet using a USB-C cable.

How heavy is the Apple Vision Pro battery?

Apple has cleverly removed the battery from the Apple Vision Pro headset so you can slip it into your pocket while using it. Though the weight of this pack hasn’t been officially disclosed, it looks similar to an iPhone, so it’s unlikely to weigh much more than your smartphone.