When the Apple Vision Pro hit the market on February 2nd, priced at $3,499 after much anticipation and years of speculation, it wasn't long before iFixit, a renowned technology disassembly and repair website, got their hands on one. Their mission is to dissect the augmented reality headset and assess its repairability. They found a device brimming with ambition and complexity but with its potential pitfalls.
The so-called "Achilles' heel" identified by iFixit's experts is the headset's large front display, which occasionally simulates the wearer's eyes. This feature, designed to indicate the user's ability to perceive the real world, could pose significant repair challenges. This intricate display is just one facet of the device's complexity, with iFixit noting the headset's densely packed interior, filled with an array of components that render home repairs nearly impossible.
Despite these challenges, iFixit admired the Vision Pro's design, acknowledging the device's sophistication—even going so far as to describe some of the internal connections as "delightful." They praised the headset for its sheer ambition, likening its capabilities to a Mac combined with a new, dedicated AR chip, all within a wearable form factor.
However, concerns were raised about the practicality and value of the front display's "lenticular display" technology, intended to create a three-dimensional effect through three layers that simulate eye movements. Despite the technological feat, iFixit questioned the display's effectiveness and overall contribution to the device, pointing out its dimness, low resolution, and the additional bulk and complexity it introduces to an already weight-sensitive product.
The debate around including the EyeSight screen—considered creepy or superfluous—underscores the challenges Apple faced in delivering on its vision. iFixit pondered whether production deadlines or manufacturing errors might have compromised the intended performance of this feature.
As iFixit plans to delve deeper into the Vision Pro in future analyses, the initial teardown has already illuminated the nuanced trade-offs between innovation and practicality in Apple's bold foray into augmented reality. This exploration into the Apple Vision Pro's design and construction highlights the delicate balance between pushing the boundaries of technology and ensuring user accessibility and repairability.