When Apple launched the original Vision Pro in 2024, it was a technological marvel hampered by weight, price, and a thin software library. The Vision Pro 2, released last week, addresses all three concerns to varying degrees. After two weeks of daily use, here is our verdict.

Lighter and More Comfortable

The most immediately noticeable improvement is weight. Apple shaved 120 grams off the headset, bringing it to 480 grams. The new knit strap distributes pressure more evenly, and the redesigned light seal accommodates a wider range of face shapes. Extended sessions of two hours or more are now feasible without significant fatigue, a bar the original could not clear.

The displays remain the same dual micro-OLED panels with 23 million pixels, but Apple has improved the refresh rate to 120Hz across all modes. Eye tracking and hand tracking feel noticeably snappier, with latency reduced to under 12 milliseconds according to Apple's internal measurements.

Price and Positioning

At $2,499, the Vision Pro 2 is $1,000 cheaper than its predecessor. Apple has also introduced a lighter "Vision Air" variant at $1,799 that uses a tethered battery pack and lower-resolution displays. This tiered strategy signals Apple's intent to broaden the addressable market beyond developers and early adopters.

"We learned a tremendous amount from the first generation. Vision Pro 2 is the product we wished we could have shipped two years ago," an Apple spokesperson told GlanceChronicle.

Software Ecosystem

visionOS 3 ships with over 2,000 native apps, a tenfold increase from launch. Standouts include a fully functional Final Cut Pro for spatial editing, a collaboration mode for FaceTime that places participants in a shared virtual space, and an immersive sports viewing experience partnered with MLB and MLS.

Third-party developers are finding their footing too. Productivity tools like Notion and Linear have spatial versions that leverage infinite canvas metaphors. Gaming remains a weak spot, with most titles being ports of iPad games rather than native spatial experiences.

The Verdict

The Vision Pro 2 is a meaningful step forward, but it is not yet a must-have device for the average consumer. At its current price point, it appeals primarily to professionals who can leverage spatial computing for work and enthusiasts who want the cutting edge. Apple has closed the gap considerably, but mainstream adoption likely requires one more generational leap in both price reduction and software depth.