• After its recent release, Apple’s Vision Pro headset faced return concerns due to comfort, usability, and safety issues, with some users complaining about the lack of compatible apps.
  • Despite CEO Tim Cook’s praise for its potential, users reported discomfort and dissatisfaction, leading to significant anticipated returns.
  • However, actual return rates remain uncertain, with some retail insiders suggesting returns primarily stem from online purchases and diverse user experiences, including physiological discomfort and users exploiting return policies.

“Vision Pro” headset is a key product Apple launched this year, entering a crucial phase after its February 2nd release—the return evaluation period. According to a tech media report, some consumers returned the product within two weeks of purchase due to comfort, usability, and safety concerns.

Apple CEO Tim Cook hailed the headset as “the dawn of a new computing era,” offering users various augmented reality exploration opportunities. However, some consumers stated that the lack of compatible apps rendered the headset largely unusable, resembling more of a large toy. One user complained on X that after two hours of using Vision Pro, he decided to return it. The headset is undoubtedly cool, but there aren’t many apps to keep him using it, preferring the native retina “display,” which doesn’t have mouse latency issues.

Also read: Dawn of a new VR era: Apple Vision Pro now available to buy

Users experience dizziness and headaches

Some users also reported experiencing dizziness and headaches, common technical challenges in AR and VR technologies. Apple hasn’t disclosed official sales and return data, but a survey by the Apple-centric news site Cult of Mac showed that 45% of respondents expected to return Vision Pro. According to Apple’s 14-day return policy, February 16th is the last return date for the first batch of headset buyers.

However, some claim that after visiting Apple’s retail stores in the US, the return rate for Vision Pro isn’t as alarming. As of February 16th, the return rate for Vision Pro hasn’t significantly exceeded that of Apple’s other products. Retail store insiders noted that external expectations for Apple’s return rate might be high, but in reality, it’s not the case. Some also revealed that most of their returns came from online purchases, just as it was with the Mac Pro shipment.

No return rate is disclosed

However, Apple officials evidently won’t disclose the return rate for any product, and neither observations from insiders nor unofficial website polls can verify Vision Pro’s return status. Nonetheless, retail staff admitted that there are two types of people primarily returning Vision Pro. One group experiences physiological discomfort with the headset, possibly leading to dizziness or even vomiting after using it. Another group treats the return policy as a free trial policy, often seen with YouTubers, and this happens with almost every Apple product, according to a disgruntled Apple retail employee.