Will Apple Vision Pro Become an iPad Competitor in Four Generations? Insights Revealed

Apple's recently launched mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro, is generating buzz for its potential to revolutionize interaction and entertainment. However, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, its journey to becoming a true game-changer may be longer than some expect.

Apple Vision Pro is not yet a polished product
Gurman's sources in Apple's Vision Products group reportedly believe the device is far from its "ideal form" and may need four generations of refinement before it can truly exceed consumer expectations for everyday use. While the precise definition of this "ideal form" remains unclear, the concerns of early adopters provide some clues.

Headset weight, battery life, lack of apps and software bugs affect the current iteration. Users find elaborate wear uncomfortable, and a limited app ecosystem hinders its versatility. Gurman draws a parallel with Apple's historical approach, suggesting that four generations of improvements like the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch could eventually push the Vision Pro to replace the iPad.

The views also align with Elon Musk's perspective, which he shared last week on X (formerly Twitter) regarding Vision Pro. According to him, the Vision Pro is not yet as great as the first iPhone. However, according to him, the iPhone 3 solved all the problems and became a great device. He believes the case will be similar to the Vision Pro.

Apple's efforts to make the iPad a Mac replacement haven't yielded the desired results, Gurman argues. The features didn't quite bridge the productivity gap, leaving the iPad in a somewhat obscure position in the Apple portfolio. He sees the Vision Pro, at its current $3,500 price, as more of a "prototype" funded by early adopters than a polished consumer product.

Despite its limitations, the Vision Pro shows potential. Its capabilities in video streaming, light work and entertainment are promising, providing an alternative for traditional iPad users to have a more immersive experience. However, weight, battery life and app availability limitations hold it back.

Gurman urges potential buyers to exercise caution, highlighting the potential pitfalls of investing in an imperfect product. It emphasizes the importance of waiting for significant software improvements and hardware refinement before considering the Vision Pro a viable consumer option.