Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, recently took to social media to share his thoughts on Apple’s latest venture into mixed reality with the Vision Pro headset. In a candid video posted on Instagram, Zuckerberg compared Apple’s offering to Meta’s own Quest 3, delivering a verdict that underscores the intense competition between these tech giants in the burgeoning field of mixed reality.
Opening his review, Zuckerberg candidly admits his initial skepticism about the value proposition,of Apple’s Vision Pro, given its hefty price tag of $3,500 compared to the Quest 3’s more accessible $500 starting price. However, after experiencing Apple’s headset firsthand, Zuckerberg asserts that the Quest not only offers better value but also stands out as the superior product overall.
In the video, shot using Meta’s Quest 3, Zuckerberg showcases the device’s “passthrough” feature, allowing viewers to see the digital screens floating around him—a feature Apple had heavily promoted ahead of the Vision Pro’s launch. Through this demonstration, Zuckerberg subtly challenges Apple’s claims, hinting at perceived shortcomings of the Vision Pro while highlighting the strengths of Meta’s offering.
Let’s break down the key features of each product:
• Meta Quest 3: This sleek, wireless headset comes in a crisp white design and boasts handheld controllers, making it perfect for diving into immersive gaming experiences. Priced at a reasonable $500, it has garnered praise from reviewers for its smaller form factor and enhanced comfort compared to previous Meta models. Additionally, Meta offers a more advanced version known as the Meta Quest Pro, catering to users seeking top-tier features at a higher price point.
• Apple Vision Pro: With a design reminiscent of ski goggles, the Apple Vision Pro stands out for its sleek aesthetic. It features a wired attachment to an iPhone-sized battery pack and operates using intuitive hand and eye signals, eliminating the need for traditional controllers. Reviewers have lauded its familiar interface and stunning 4K resolution screen, particularly praising its ability to deliver unparalleled immersion in videos and movies. However, with a starting price tag of $3,500, it’s a premium offering that may not be accessible to all consumers.
While Zuckerberg’s critique may seem subjective, it resonates with a growing sentiment among some early adopters of the Vision Pro. Reports have surfaced of users returning their headsets within days of purchase, citing issues ranging from discomfort and usability to motion sickness and a lack of compelling content.
Tech executive Alexander Torrenegra’s tweet encapsulates the sentiment of many disappointed Vision Pro users, expressing disappointment in the device’s immersive work experience and its inability to justify its premium price tag.
Others have echoed similar complaints, pointing to discomfort caused by the headset’s weight distribution and front-heavy design.
Yet, despite these vocal criticisms, the true impact of these returns on the Vision Pro’s future remains uncertain. While some users express eagerness to try future iterations of the device, others emphasize the need for killer apps and improved comfort—a sentiment echoed by Zuckerberg himself in his comparison of Apple’s Vision Pro with Meta’s Quest 3.
Moreover, while social media provides a platform for dissatisfied users to voice their grievances, it offers limited insight into the broader market dynamics and actual return rates. As such, it’s challenging to gauge the full extent of the Vision Pro’s shortcomings and its implications for Apple’s mixed reality ambitions.
The rivalry between Meta and Apple extends far beyond mere product comparisons; it embodies competing visions for the future of computing. While Meta envisions a metaverse where users immerse themselves in a digital realm, Apple sees mixed reality as a means to enhance real-world experiences—a contrast reflected in their respective approaches to product development and ecosystem integration.
As Zuckerberg’s review demonstrates, the quest for dominance in mixed reality is far from over, with Meta and Apple vying for supremacy in a landscape ripe for innovation and disruption. Whether Meta’s Quest 3 emerges as the frontrunner or Apple’s Vision Pro evolves to address user concerns, one thing is clear: the race for superiority in mixed reality is just beginning.
