Apple Vision Pro: The future is here

Jaw-dropping first impressions, plus our unboxing video.

Author

Lewis Wallace
February 03, 2024

Apple doesn’t dive into major new product categories willy-nilly. With the Vision Pro, which launched Friday, Apple is planting its flag firmly in the wild territory known as “spatial computing.”

We’ve heard lots of downsides about the headset — it’s heavy, it’s expensive, and its digital rendering of wearers’ eyes is lackluster (if not downright creepy).

However, we’ve also heard amazing things about it. And Cult of Mac publisher Leander Kahney is absolutely gushing about the new headset.

If you’re curious about Vision Pro, check out his jaw-dropping first impressions (with a bonus unboxing video). And if you’re still not convinced, read his first-person account of the Vision Pro demo experience to find out why you should definitely sign up for one.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Vision Pro special edition

Apple Vision Pro unboxing and first impressions

We got our hands on Apple's pricey AR/VR headset. Here's our Vision Pro unboxing video and first impressions. Bottom line: We're believers!

Why you absolutely should do an Apple Vision Pro store demo

What's an Apple Vision Pro store demo like? You'll be scared, tearful, surprised and overjoyed. Plus, they're free!

Cool Vision Pro apps, concepts and experiences available on day one

Try the best Vision Pro apps available on day one to get your money's worth and enjoy mind-blowing experiences with your Apple headset.

Plus, more on Vision Pro content:

Apple Vision Pro's biggest problem: It's highly addictive!

Apple has a huge problem with the Vision Pro that no one has talked about: The astonishing visuals that the headset pumps into your eyeballs make the real world look unbearably dull!

Vision Pro reviews: The good, the bad, the ugly, the insane! [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: Apple Vision Pro reviews gives us greater insight into what to expect from the high-priced headset.

Vision Pro review roundup: 'Magic' and 'a revolution,' but definitely unfinished

The first Apple Vision Pro reviews gush compliments on the augmented-reality headset. But there's also plenty of criticism and questions.

How-tos

How to scan QR codes on iPhone

You can scan and open a QR code directly from your iPhone camera — you don’t have to download a third-party app. Here are the three ways you can open them: inside the camera, using a shortcut in Control Center and directly from a screenshot in your photo library.

How to block iPhone apps from using push notification tracking to spy on you

Meta, TikTok and other companies use push notification tracking. There's a simple solution for iPhone users to protect their privacy.

How to update AirPods firmware: Everything you need to know

Apple pushed out firmware update 6A324 for AirPods Max. Here's how to make sure you've got the bug fixes.

Why do AirTags make noise?

Here are the reasons why AirTags make noise, and how to stop it. It's useful to know: You could find someone's lost keys, or a creep might be stalking you.

News

iPhone up, China down: 7 nuggets from Apple’s earnings call

During Apple earnings call, execs talk about Vision Pro, AI and the company's future plans. Here are the most interesting tidbits.

Is this an unannounced iPad in a press photo?

There's speculation the first picture of Tim Cook wearing a Vision Pro has a surprise: a 2024 iPad that Apple hasn't released yet.

iPhone can’t compete in 'new paradigm' of high-end phone design, analyst says

Ming-Chi Kuo predicts iPhone’s lack of generative AI and a foldable option will cause a decline in shipments. But there are reasons to doubt his opinion.

Here’s a great take on Apple’s plans for opening up the App Store

The brains behind AltStore, a hacky skunkworks project that enables sideloading on iPhone and iPad, predicts big changes, talks hidden upsides, and reveals how he plans to make AltStore legit.

Tim Cook: Apple's AI revolution is coming later this year

Apple CEO reiterates the company’s commitment to AI and promises to share more information later this year.

Deals

15-inch MacBook Air returns to record low price

Take $300 off different configurations of the slim and lightweight machine at Best Buy, including the base model at $999.

Plus, more sales on Apple gear:

You'll flip for this magnetic digital timer

No matter your task, this combo kitchen timer/productivity timer/fitness timer lets you keep tabs on your precious time.

AI Resume Builder will help you land the job interviews you crave

Write the perfect resume with this AI-powered tool, then watch job interviews roll in. Get lifetime access to AI Resume Builder, on sale now.

Learn to create killer AI art with this $30 course bundle

Tools like Midjourney, Dall-E, Stable Diffusion and Craiyon can generate amazing AI art. But first you need to know how to use them.

Plus, more ways to learn:

With this Mac app, PDFs will never flummox you again

An all-in-one PDF editor like PDF Converter Pro doesn't need to cost a fortune. Get a lifetime license for the Mac app on sale for $24.97.

10-inch touchscreen car display gives you CarPlay (or Android Auto) for just $126

Add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to any vehicle with this affordable car touchscreen. It's the easiest way to add a CarPlay display.

Reviews and recommendations

Turn iPad or iPhone into full-featured laptop with NexDock [Review] ★★★★½

NexDock lets you easily add a 13-inch external screen, keyboard and trackpad to your iPad or iPhone 15 to make them even more useful.

This sleek stainless steel band makes Apple Watch luxurious

Looking for an Apple Watch band worthy of a black-tie dinner and a dip in the ocean afterward? Try the Laut Links Petite Apple Watch Band.

Get 20% off iPad styluses and tips already much cheaper than Apple's

If you recently got an iPad, you probably want a stylus so you can write and draw on it more precisely than you can with your fingertips.

Grab one of Laut's stunning iPhone 15 cases while you can

If you bought an iPhone 15 Series handset, it's time to consider a supremely stylish and super-protective case from Laut.

Setups

MacBook Pro rig rocks Sonos sound system

Studio Display's speakers are good, but this setup really grooves to its Sonos One SL speakers and Beam soundbar.

Another user pares back to one great external display

Here's another example where a dual-display user wants to simplify and focus.

How gamer avoids neck pain looking up at stacked Studio Displays

A PS5 and Switch gamer with stacked Studio Displays finds looking up to be no particular pain in the neck.