The Vision Pro is Not a Device for VR Enthusiasts; It’s a Powerful Tool for Professionals

In the first three months since its release, Apple’s Vision Pro has taken a different path from its competitors. While other headsets focus on gaming and entertainment, Apple chose a different road with the Vision Pro, putting all their eggs in the productivity and collaboration basket.

Some critics have claimed that Apple has slashed production from 500,000 to 400,000 units (different numbers on every site but somewhere there) due to poor sales, but this overlooks the Vision Pro’s intended market. It’s probably not meant for you. — yet...

The first version of the Vision Pro is absolutely bulky, reminding me of the early days of cell phones that were housed in the trunks of cars.

A New Era of Productivity

Apple is known for pushing the boundaries, and the Vision Pro is no different. This headset’s augmented reality (AR) features are designed for professionals in fields like engineering, healthcare, and manufacturing etc. Since the vision pro can overlay data onto the real world and you have free hands, it makes tasks a lot easier, faster and more precise.

For example, in manufacturing, workers can view real-time data and detailed schematics without having to look away from their tasks. This blend of digital and physical work helps reduce mistakes and increases accuracy, saving both time and money 💵.

We’ve already seen Brazilian doctors use the Vision Pro to assist with surgeries, providing visualizations of complex procedures. In architecture and construction, we have seen apps showing where sprinklers or tubes are faulty or presenting large houses, enhancing client presentations.

Collaboration first

Today, being able to collaborate in real-time, no matter where you are, is crucial. Apple’s SharePlay for the Vision Pro lets users share screens, apps, and interactive AR experiences with colleagues and clients, making teamwork way more dynamic and interactive. This has been one of the most requested features in all the client meetings and discussions we’ve had around the Vision Pro.

Teams can brainstorm, design, and solve problems together in a shared virtual space, breaking down geographical barriers. Additionally, this will save companies significant sums of money by reducing the need to send physical items or personnel to different locations, as everything can be done virtually. Amazing for the wallet and really good for the planet 🌍.

Focus on B2B and Industrial Markets

For now, I believe that your Vision Pro app should be squarely aimed at the B2B and industrial markets. The massive potential of this technology in professional settings is clear; this is what the HoloLens promised to be, but the Vision Pro actually is.

Although e-commerce applications will come later when the Vision Pro becomes more consumer-friendly and widespread (cheaper and lighter), some early adopters in the retail sector are already experimenting. For instance, Adidas has set up a Vision Pro pop-up store in Seoul, showing the potential for immersive shopping experiences.

A Strategic Pivot for Apple

Apple’s focus on productivity with the Vision Pro marks a significant shift. By choosing the productivity route, Apple is positioning itself as a leader in the next wave of digital transformation. The Vision Pro is not a device for VR enthusiasts; it’s a powerful tool for professionals. It’s even in the name, but many tend to miss that.

So wheres the real value in this as a company?

The Vision Pro’s AR overlay isn’t a cool feature for gaming; it enhances precision in tasks and reduces errors in manufacturing. Real-time data visualization is not just interesting for interactive experiences; it improves decision-making and efficiency in professional settings. SharePlay collaboration isn’t just fun for shared viewing of media; it saves costs and enhances remote teamwork. Healthcare applications go beyond novelty in medical training simulations to assist in complex surgeries. In architecture and construction, the Vision Pro identifies faults in infrastructure and improves client presentations, rather than just impressing with virtual tours. A car dealer just needs a 4x4 meter space, a headset and a coffee machine, instead of 10 cars and a paper catalogue. Just look at how Lufthansa used a mixed reality showroom to reduce exhibition costs by 80% and 10x audience engagement.

Looking Ahead

The first version of the Vision Pro is absolutely bulky, reminding me of the early days of cell phones that were housed in the trunks of cars. Or like when my dad had one of the Macintosh LC’s and was incredibly proud, but being the only one on our street with such a device, while the rest of the neighborhood didn’t quite see the use of it.

As the Vision Pro continues to evolve, its impact on industrial use and collaboration will likely grow. Focusing on developing practical tools for professionals is key, and the sooner you start the better since Apple most probably will announce an international release at WWDC24, expanding the availability of its Vision Pro headset beyond the United States. According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and other sources, the UK, Canada, Singapore, France, Canada, Germany, and other countries are set to be the next regions where the Vision Pro will be available. And I strongly believe that next year we will see the introduction of a more consumer-friendly alternative, perhaps an “Air” model.

Just recently, Apple was awarded the Black Pencil for the Vision Pro, but this is far from the first Black Pencil award Apple has earned. Notably, almost all Apple products that have received a Black Pencil have gone on to achieve some real success.

In conclusion, the first three months of the Vision Pro’s release have shown its potential to massively reshape productivity and collaboration in a professional setting. While other headsets focus on gaming and entertainment, Apple’s Vision Pro stands out as a leader in innovation for the modern workplace.