Apple’s Vision Pro Headset May Not Include Top Strap in Packaging

In early June, Devindra Hardawar, the Senior Editor of ReturnByte, previewed the Vision Pro and noticed an additional velcro strap on the prototype unit that was not shown in any of Apple’s promotional material. A company representative informed him that the device would accommodate more straps if required.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple created the strap that goes over the user’s head after some employees complained that the Vision Pro felt “too heavy” after a few hours of use. In a move reminiscent of the company’s decision to sell the stand for the Pro Display XDR as a separate $999 purchase, Apple is considering selling the strap as an optional accessory rather than including it in the box.

Perhaps this shouldn’t come as a surprise since Apple said the Vision Pro will “start” at $3,499 when it arrives in 2024, but since most previews cited the headset’s weight as a potential concern, it seems odd to hear the company won’t. to do everything possible to ensure a comfortable experience for consumers right away.

Because of the high price of the Vision Pro, you might think that the company is only marketing the device to developers, but Apple seems to be planning to sell it to consumers as well. Gurman says the company plans to create special areas in its retail stores where people can show off the device. He adds that Apple has developed an iPhone app that allows its retail employees to scan a customer’s face so they can make sure the person leaves the store with the right size bands and a light seal for the headphones.

Since the Vision Pro isn’t scheduled to go on sale until early next year, the headsets could arrive as early as May 2024, giving Apple nearly a year to change its plans. In the meantime, Gurman says the company has already shifted some employees to work on lower-cost headsets and the second-generation Vision Pro.