As the return window for Apple’s Vision Pro headset draws to a close, a notable number of early adopters are voicing their dissatisfaction on social media platforms, opting to return their $3,500 devices.
The trend emerges as customers reach the end of Apple’s 14-day return policy period, highlighting potential drawbacks in the product’s design and functionality.
Among the primary grievances from users is the headset’s comfort level. Reports of headaches, motion sickness, and distress due to the device’s weight — which is predominantly front-loaded — have been frequent.
The Verge’s product manager, Parker Ortolani, shared his own adverse experience, suspecting the headset contributed to a burst blood vessel in his eye, a sentiment echoed by others who have encountered similar symptoms, including eye redness — a familiar complaint among virtual reality headset users.
Mr. Ortolani elaborated on his decision to return the device, saying, “Despite the incredible experience it offers, the physical discomfort, exacerbated by the weight and strap design, made it unbearable to wear even for brief intervals. The anticipation of discomfort deterred me from using it.”
He added, “Given the substantial price and the adjustment challenges I faced with constant headaches and eye strain, I decided it wasn’t worth it. However, I’m open to considering future iterations.”
Doubts about the Vision Pro’s practicality have also surfaced. Users have pointed out that the device’s performance does not align with its high cost, especially in professional settings.
“If I’m not using this for productivity, and if I don’t love it for entertainment, and if there aren’t enough games to play on it — I just can’t justify keeping it,” one Reddit user wrote.
Wrote another: “I returned mine today. Extreme headaches (first in decades). I can’t wear [them] more than 10 minutes without extreme discomfort. Feels like a torture session just trying to keep it on. I have no idea how all these streamers can play for hours. After 10 minutes I feel like I’m about to have a heart attack.”
“I unfortunately am also having severe headaches when I wear this for more than 30-45 minutes,” yet another wrote. “This is so devastating, as I love everything else about the AVP. I would like to think with continued use I would get used to this, but it is too expensive to take that bet past the 14-day return period. I am returning mine today.”
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