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Vision Pro: Hands-on reviews and plenty of useful headset how-tos

Vision Pro: Hands-on reviews and plenty of useful headset how-tos

Plus: iPhone rumors, Apple deals, AI news and more.

Lewis Wallace
February 10, 2024

With Vision Pros strapped onto the heads of various Cult of Mac staffers, we’ve got a fresh round of reviews and how-tos that offer new insights into Apple’s most innovative product in years.

Leander raves about Vision Pro in our main review — but ultimately can’t recommend the magical device (at least not for everyone). And in a couple of task-specific reviews, Griffin dons the headset and tries doing “real” work and actually working out. The results are … mixed.

We hope those give you a lot more to chew on if you’re thinking of buying a Vision Pro. And if you already bought one, see our how-tos section for tips on getting the most out of your shiny new spatial computer. After you master the Vision Pro gestures that control its unique user interface, we’ll show you how to let your friends try it out and much more.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

New renders show what iPhone 16 might look like. Plus, Apple reportedly produced a pair of folding iPhone prototypes, but is still trying to overcome a key problem.
Need a keyboard for your Mac? We’ve got a rundown of the best options in our Mac keyboard buyer’s guide.
We’re always on the lookout for deals on Apple hardware. This week’s winners include low prices on Apple Watch SE, AirTags, M3 MacBook Pros and AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C charging case.
Apple’s AI push is real. Cupertino reportedly scooped up 32 AI startups last year. And if you need even more proof, Apple just released an AI image editor.

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

How-tos

Vision Pro gestures: How to master Apple headset’s UI

If you’re going to try on someone’s Vision Pro, or you’re lucky enough to buy one yourself, here’s how to use what Apple calls “the most advanced personal electronics device ever.”

Plus, more quick Vision Pro tips:

How to let friends try out your Vision Pro

Learn how to share your Apple headset, at least long enough to show it off to a curious friend. Here's how to turn on Vision Pro guest mode.

How to use your Mac with Vision Pro

If you own both a Vision Pro and a Mac, screen sharing is a great way to stay immersed in your 3D visionOS environment while using your Mac.

How to FaceTime with Vision Pro

Making a FaceTime call in Vision Pro is a bit more involved than on iPhone or Mac. After all, you have a computer strapped onto your face.

News

iPhone 16 renders bring latest leaks to life

CAD renders of the iPhone 16 show it might borrow design elements from the iPhone X and from the iPhone 15 Pro.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

Apple updates iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS with single bug fix

Cupertino’s software engineers squash a text-overlap bug on multiple platforms.

Vision Pro wall-to-wall: Pros, cons, grins and gripes! [The CultCast]

This week on Cult of Mac's podcast: After spending time with their headsets, Erfon and Griffin tell all! It's our Vision Pro reviews podcast.

Plus, more Vision Pro news:

New Apple AI model can edit images per your instructions

Siri's smartening up may seem glacially slow, but Apple is making strides in other areas, like easy AI-based photo editing.

iTunes is on its last gasp as Apple TV and Apple Music for Windows leave beta

PC users can now download full versions of the Apple Music and Apple TV applications, as well as a new Apple Devices app.

Deals

Apple Watch SE 2 is even more affordable after a $60 discount

A fantastic deal drops the price of Apple’s entry-level smartwatch to a low of $189.

Plus, more deals on Apple gear:

Add a folding CarPlay display to your ride for just $96

This easy-to-install folding touchscreen display brings Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to any car.

Master digital marketing and SEO for less than $40

Grab lifetime access to the Education Cloud Plus bundle featuring SEO and digital marketing courses for just $39.99 for a limited time.

Get a pro-grade USB mic for less than $48

Podcasters, streamers and other content creators know how crucial it is to invest in quality audio gear like a JLab Talk Pro USB mic.

Learn multiple languages with Babbel, now just $149.97 for life

Babbel can teach you up to 14 languages through bite-size, interactive lessons. Just pay a one-time fee and get access for life.

Reviews and recommendations

Apple Vision Pro is a magical delight, but I don’t recommend it [Review] ★★★★½

The 3D video looks amazing. Immersive experiences will make you jump. But is this taste of the future worth it?

Find the best affordable, feature-packed keyboard for Mac mini

You picked up Apple's desktop computer. So, what are the best keyboards for Mac mini? Our guide will help you make the right choice.

Can you get real work done inside Vision Pro?

Yes — although that answer comes with many asterisks. Working on Vision Pro has its annoyances, quirks and limitations.

MagMount keeps iPhone secure and easy to see behind the wheel

Use your iPhone for turn-by-turn navigation while you're on the road? Keep it secure and easy to see with a MagSafe car mount.

What it’s like working out wearing a Vision Pro

Those people spotted wearing Apple’s headset in gyms … did they unlock a killer feature or are they just showing off?

Setups

You'll never guess what this user thinks sets Mac Studio apart

Possible new marketing angle: “Mac Studio has by far the nicest power cord for any computer I've ever handled in my life,” user says.

What Loupedeck can do for your photo and video editing

This M1 Ultra Mac Studio user likes his compact Loupedeck Live console for managing photo and video editing workflows.

YouTuber loves his Elgato Stream Deck

The media controller plus a key light and a monitor screenbar all play important roles in this setup's video work.