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A Missed Opportunity for Status Symbol Transformation
Apple vision pro
Apple’s Vision Pro mixed-reality headset falls short of Apple’s usual prowess in transforming technical devices into desirable symbols of status. Despite the reputation of Apple products as powerful signals of wealth, power, and attractiveness, the Vision Pro fails to achieve the same appeal.
Exploring the Perception Gap Between iPhones and the Vision Pro Headset
Owning an iPhone signifies success, wealth, and technological proficiency. Conversely, receiving a text from an Android phone may invite judgment due to its perception as a cheaper alternative.
This distinction contributed to the iPhone’s immense profitability and Apple’s remarkable market valuation. Similarly, being seen with a MacBook, AirPods Max, and high-end Apple Watch evokes a sense of coolness. However, if the same person were to wear the Pro Vision headset in public, they would likely appear either foolish or disconnected from reality. At best, wearing the device suggests an intense passion for video games and Apple products, potentially overshadowing interpersonal connections. While there is a niche market for such enthusiasm, it is considerably smaller than the iPhone’s broad appeal.
An interesting observation is that Apple chose to showcase women wearing the Vision Pro headset in the images they shared. Instead of focusing on stereotypical geeky male gamers, one of the photos depicts a woman on a flight with the device positioned in a way that reveals her entire face.
Model wearing Apple vision pro image from apple.com
I shared this with a close friend who resides in New York City and is knowledgeable about technology, Apple, and related subjects. She typically leans towards being an Apple fan and has a strong aversion to green iMessage bubbles. So, I asked her if a guy wearing a $3,499 Apple Pro Vision headset would impress her.
“Definitely not,” she promptly replied. “It won’t work.”
When I inquired why, she simply stated, “Anything that makes you look worse won’t do you any favors.”
Of course, previous Apple devices have faced initial setbacks only to achieve significant success and prove skeptics wrong. AirPods and the Apple Watch are prime examples.
Moreover, it’s important to note that the current iteration of Apple’s headset is just the beginning. The ultimate goal is likely to develop a sleek pair of glasses that incorporate all the impressive features of the Vision Pro. Glasses have the potential to look cool on many individuals, including prominent figures like Scott Galloway and my friend living in New York.
A Distant Dream Hindered by Technical Challenges and Nerd Goggle Perception
Model wearing Apple vision pro image from apple.com
If any tech company can accomplish this feat, it would be Apple. However, according to Mark Gurman, a reputable Apple reporter, the development of Apple’s AI glasses has been indefinitely postponed due to “technical challenges.” In his January report, he mentioned that Apple’s initial vision of creating lightweight AR glasses suitable for all-day wear seems to be many years away, if it materializes at all.
Therefore, for now, we’re stuck with what can be perceived as nerd goggles.
