Apple to Sell Belkin Head Strap for Use With Vision Pro's Solo Knit Band [Now Available]

[MacRumors]

Apple plans to sell a Belkin head strap that can be used with the Vision Pro's Solo Knit Band, for added comfort and stability while wearing the headset, according to a product listing spotted by Brad Lynch of EOZ VR (reposted by @M1Astra).

The adjustable strap features a "secure locking mechanism for additional stabilization," and it offers a "precise fit for a wide range of head sizes and shapes."

"Designed with aesthetics that make a great addition to the Solo Knit band, the Head Strap features a secure locking mechanism and additional stabilization points to keep Apple Vision Pro in place, even during vigorous movement," the product listing says.

The band will cost $49.95 on Apple's online store in the U.S., but it is not yet available to order. It is unclear when the head strap will be released.

When the Vision Pro was unveiled at WWDC 2023, Apple showed someone wearing the headset with both a Solo Knit Band and a head strap, and it even offered members of the press that combination when they demoed the device. However, that head strap was never made available to the public. In addition to the Solo Knit Band, the Vision Pro ships with the Dual Loop Band, which has a pair of upper and lower slimmer straps.

Apple showed the Solo Knit Band with a head strap at WWDC 2023​

Some customers find the Vision Pro to still feel heavy on the face even with the Dual Loop Band. In response to this feedback, it seems likely that Apple partnered with Belkin to come up with a head strap for use with the Solo Knit Band after all.

Update: Belkin's head strap is now available to order on Apple's online store.

Article Link: Apple to Sell Belkin Head Strap for Use With Vision Pro's Solo Knit Band [Now Available]

 

[jaw04005]

It's the front that's heavy for me. The Annapro seems like a better alternative.

 

[iWeaverOS]

Ironically, I just began to explore selling my AVP. The weight really hits the front of the face; hopefully, there's a better solution in the future or next generation. I've tried a few Amazon items to help with the front weight distribution, but I haven’t found one that is comfortable for >1 hour of use.
Very promising product; I'm eager to see this evolve over time!

 

[terminator-jq]

This is something Apple has to get right for the next unit. There’s no way customers should be forced to look for 3rd party solutions just to use their $3500 device comfortably.

The issues of: Comfort, Use Case and Price have to be solved for the Vision lineup to see the typical levels of success that Apple usually has. Personally I think it will take around 3-5 years to get there (with a $999 Vision SE being the last big step) but once we do it will be pretty game changing.

 

[spaxxedout]

I still say the lens glare is much more of a problem than the weight. I don’t think it’s uncomfortable, but then again I have a 60cm noggin 😬 All in all, it’s not as front heavy as it looks. Largely hollow between eyesight display and lenses.

 

[swingerofbirch]

Selling follow-up orthopedic accessories is generally not a great sign for a product line.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

The issues of: Comfort, Use Case and Price have to be solved for the Vision lineup to see the typical levels of success that Apple usually has.

People pay $3500 to not need to wear glasses that weigh 1/10th of what the Apple Vision weighs. I don't see it ever being as ubiquitous as their other product lines.

 

[sduck]

Having a strap that attaches to the middle of the main unit and goes over the top of your head (front to back) is a game changer for the quest 3 (and 2 previously) for me (https://www.meta.com/quest/accessories/elite-strap/). The AVP can't accommodate that natively, but it shouldn't be that hard to retrofit something along those lines. I didn't keep my AVP, and lack of a good way to fit it was one of the factors.

 

[CarAnalogy]

I just don't know if people will ever get used to the idea of strapping something onto their face.

People will sit at a screen, hold a screen, shove things in their ear holes, strap things to their wrists, even put things on the bridge of their nose and top of their ears but...

Unless you're going underwater, or little bits of things are flying all around, nobody wants to strap something over their eyes. Even then they take it off as soon as possible.

I would love the immersive display, but strapping something onto my face is something that's hard to get used to. EyeSight was a decent swing and a miss to try to mitigate some of the issues but...it's never going to be iPhone or even laptop or even Apple Watch level popular.

 

[sunny5]

That top strap is WAY better than a regular one. But of course, both Apple and Belkin should've add additional strap between the device and back strap in order to grab the weight of it.

 

[johnsawyercjs]

Next up: Apple-branded duct tape to wrap your head in. Comes in three colors, plus a nano-textured option that will break only some people's bank accounts.

 

[DocMultimedia]

As far as I'm concerned, none of these AR/VR devices are useful to me until they become lightweight. I can easily see why they could be used to assist in surgery and other niche applications, but I just don't want a heavy device strapped to my head.

I like Belkin products, so hopefully they make a few bucks from this.

 

[haunebu]

They'll sell at least 7 of these.

 

[TheGenerous]

Ordered! This is excellent news.
My Vision Pro strap has worn down quite considerably from The[hub]

 

[funwithstuff]

I use the Annapro head strap and it makes a huge difference to how long I can wear the headset. I’ve watched Apple TV shows for hours at a time, and if I’m alone in a dark room I prefer to take off the light seal as it reduces weight and increases field of view. If this strap enables the same thing, it would be good to have a more flexible option that’s returnable in case it doesn’t work.

Something like this should be in the box. Solo Loop is comfortable but doesn’t take enough weight. Dual Loop is tricky to fit and not comfortable. Solo+rigid is the best combo.

 

[duncandb]

What Apple needs to do is have a counter-weight, something on the back of the head that weighs as much as the Vision device on the front, so there isn't a net force pulling the head forward and hurting the neck. This should be simple, why aren't any headset makers doing it?

 

[doelcm82]

This is something Apple has to get right for the next unit. There’s no way customers should be forced to look for 3rd party solutions just to use their $3500 device comfortably.

The issues of: Comfort, Use Case and Price have to be solved for the Vision lineup to see the typical levels of success that Apple usually has. Personally I think it will take around 3-5 years to get there (with a $999 Vision SE being the last big step) but once we do it will be pretty game changing.

I hope they do get it right. Neither of the included straps worked well for me. My head isn't shaped well for either.

Most important will be reduced weight of the device itself.

 

[doelcm82]

What Apple needs to do is have a counter-weight, something on the back of the head that weighs as much as the Vision device on the front, so there isn't a net force pulling the head forward and hurting the neck. This should be simple, why aren't any headset makers doing it?

Such a counter weight would be in the way if you're using the device in bed or in a high-backed chair.

 

[CrysisDeu]

What Apple needs to do is have a counter-weight, something on the back of the head that weighs as much as the Vision device on the front, so there isn't a net force pulling the head forward and hurting the neck. This should be simple, why aren't any headset makers doing it?

They should’ve made the AVP itself 1/3 of the current weight, especially considering they have already moved the batteries out..

 

[jaw04005]

They should’ve made the AVP itself 1/3 of the current weight, especially considering they have already moved the batteries out..

I agree they should have, but they didn't and they won't.

They wanted an iconic look for the first version, so it looks like an expensive set of ski goggles. The materials are also recyclable in line with Apple's green initiatives. Plus, there's EyeSight.

Personally, I think these were mistakes and it should have started off like Apple Watch, as an iPhone accessory and worked its way up.

 

[CrysisDeu]

they won't.

Yep and if they don’t, the product line is going to fail

 

[jo-1]

This is something Apple has to get right for the next unit.

Yes - the current dev. kit is too large and heavy and too pricy for the _everyday Joe' - but that is not important for developing the content that will please people afterwards - Apple needs to start somewhere and with respect to immersion the mission is completed - at least for me

There’s no way customers should be forced to look for 3rd party solutions just to use their $3500 device comfortably.

I use the single loop and it is comfortable enough for the battery life - would not wear it longer than 2 h anyway - why would I need to? It's a tool to do certain things - I don't use my coffee maker longer than it takes to do coffee as well

The issues of: Comfort, Use Case and Price have to be solved for the Vision lineup to see the typical levels of success that Apple usually has.

I participated in a survey Apple has sent to owners and comfort was my biggest topic

Followed by request for live content like in the demo reels from the NBA - but that takes time to get it doe right. Backmagic and Canon are doing custom make gear for creating content. Once these tools get available film makes and content creators will be able to generate much easier the content we all want and the wants content differs from person to person - e.g. I am a big fan of documentaries - in case I could to to places I'll never be able to do on my own I'd glady spend a fortune for being e.g. at the international space station - no way I could go there on my own - or standing on the moon - the immersive surrounding is just stunning

Personally I think it will take around 3-5 years to get there

Apple has been working on it for roughly a decade and the first incarnation will be the worst we'll ever see - that's good news.

(with a $999 Vision SE being the last big step) but once we do it will be pretty game changing.

In the survey Apple asked me about my most important feature - my reply was visual quality. Current rumors predict a cheaper display and lower resolution design - this would be at any price point a no go for me.

Before I'd accept a lower fidelity I gladly take the higher weight for the time using it - it is btw. less demanding to wear the AVP compare to cruising 120 km/h with a motorbike and a helmet - let alone driving higher speeds.

Yes - the front heavy weight is less than ideal but it iss by no means prohibitive to use it. Sitting in a cinema in uncomfortable seats is more distracting for me.

 

[bLackjackj]

They'll sell at least 7 of these.

If that. It's called a loss leader,..but I'm sure Belkin would do anything to appease Apple, to ensure they keep shelf space for their other products in Apple Stores.

 

[rosuna]

That is innovation, my ass!

 

[bLackjackj]

Apple has been working on it for roughly a decade and the first incarnation will be the worst we'll ever see - that's good news.

Good news? You would think that the outcome would be a lot more cost efficient and software aplenty after 10 years of working on it.

4 years ago Apple bought NextVR,..where is the NextVR content??...As you say they've had at least 10 years and unfortunately failed at the start line.