iFixit Examines Apple Vision Pro's Displays, Battery, and Repairability

[MacRumors]

iFixit today shared the second part of its teardown of Apple's Vision Pro headset, revealing several new insights about the device's construction, specifications, and repairability. Its initial disassembly provided the first comprehensive look at the device's internals last week.

iFixit examined the Vision Pro's microOLED display panels, also known as OLED on Silicon. Despite not technically having 4K resolution, the displays boast an incredible pixel density, with more than 50 Vision Pro pixels fitting into the space of a single iPhone 15 Pro pixel. This density translates to an estimated 3,386 pixels per inch and 34 pixels per degree, offering a rich visual experience that, while not 4K by conventional standards, exceeds the pixel count of a 4K TV.

The logic board of the Vision Pro houses the M2 chip and R1 co-processor, designed to manage the real-time data from the headset's numerous sensors. This includes outward-facing cameras, TrueDepth sensors, LiDAR sensors, IR illuminators, and IR cameras.

The teardown also highlights the Vision Pro's battery design, which, despite being "over-engineered" and difficult to open without damage, contains a range of hardware features such as temperature sensors and an accelerometer. The bespoke "big Lightning" cable outputs more voltage than a standard USB-C pack to meet the Vision Pro's processing demands. iFixit managed to design its own battery pack to circumvent the restrictions of Apple's design, providing double the battery life of the included pack.

iFixit revealed that the Vision Pro is relatively free from parts pairing, a common practice in Apple products that restricts repairability. This means components can be swapped between headsets without triggering "unrecognized part" warnings, a key benefit for repair enthusiasts and professionals.

The Vision Pro's repairability presents a mixed bag. On the plus side, its battery is modular, and parts that come into contact with the user's skin are easily replaceable. The lens inserts and light seals attach magnetically, simplifying the fitting process. Yet, the headset's front glass poses a significant vulnerability. Its fragility means that even fully functional sensors become useless with a cracked display, affecting the headset's overall durability and user experience. Comparatively, rival headsets from Meta offer a more durable design with exterior shells made of plastic and recessed cameras protected by a separate notch, making them significantly more robust than the Vision Pro. Overall, iFixit awards the Vision Pro a provisional repairability score of 4 out of 10.

Article Link: iFixit Examines Apple Vision Pro's Displays, Battery, and Repairability

 

[Darren.h]

more proof the vision pro ls not worth $3500. My gosh the battery pack is just some stacked iPhone batteries.

 

[jamessciacca]

Anyone saying this product isn't worth the money has either not tried the headset, or doesn't understand how much research and development works. Actually triggering to see.

 

[H2SO4]

Anyone saying this product isn't worth the money has either not tried the headset, or doesn't understand how much research and development works. Actually triggering to see.

Or has a different opinion than yours?

 

[neuropsychguy]

more proof the vision pro ls not worth $3500. My gosh the battery pack is just some stacked iPhone batteries.

Maybe, but it also shows why the battery pack for $200 is probably reasonable: "The teardown also highlights the Vision Pro's battery design, which, despite being 'over-engineered' and difficult to open without damage, contains a range of hardware features such as temperature sensors and an accelerometer."

It's not just batteries slopped in a case like many battery packs are.

 

[spazzcat]

more proof the vision pro ls not worth $3500. My gosh the battery pack is just some stacked iPhone batteries.

Incredibly, someone can look at the guts of this and say yeah, it's crap.

 

[Jhonjhon236]

Anyone saying this product isn't worth the money has either not tried the headset, or doesn't understand how much research and development works. Actually triggering to see.

That “triggers” you? over some random strangers on the internet having a different opinion then you? $3500 is a lot of money for what it is. Does that sentence make you scared? Angry? Upset?

 

[jamessciacca]

Or has a different opinion than yours?

Its impossible to have an opinion on something you've never tried or given a chance.

 

[Polinsky]

more proof the vision pro ls not worth $3500. My gosh the battery pack is just some stacked iPhone batteries.

This is what I just can't comprehend. You took an article that clearly emphasizes the complexity of the battery and simply fabricated a statement that the battery is simplicity itself with stacking of iphone batteries. How did you make the transition from the article's statement to your assertion?

 

[jamessciacca]

That “triggers” you? over some random strangers on the internet having a different opinion then you? $3500 is a lot of money for what it is. Does that sentence make you scared? Angry? Upset?

Just impossible to have an opinion on something you have never tried. Not actually angry, just wish more people looked into things before posting opinions online.

 

[jamessciacca]

This is what I just can't comprehend. You took an article that clearly emphasizes the complexity of the battery and simply fabricated a statement that the battery is simplicity itself with stacking of iphone batteries. How did you make the transition from the article's statement to your assertion?

That's what I'm saying people just say whatever, no one actually reads.

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

I find it hard to watch any iFixIt videos anymore.

 

[Timpetus]

Anyone saying this product isn't worth the money has either not tried the headset, or doesn't understand how much research and development works. Actually triggering to see.

Value is subjective. Your argument is that it cost Apple a lot to bring it to market, which is correct. Whether it provides enough value to justify the cost is up to each user to decide for themselves.

 

[citysnaps]

Incredibly, someone can look at the guts of this and say yeah, it's crap.

It helps people feel better sticking it to the "Man." Everyday day of the year.

 

[citysnaps]

Value is subjective. Your argument is that it cost Apple a lot to bring it to market, which is correct. Whether it provides enough value to justify the cost is up to each user to decide for themselves.

Spot on. It's not for everyone. But for many it is. Apple will go far with AVP and its subsequent models/generations.

 

[MortgageMecca]

The operating system alone is worth $3,500.00.
I used to be an early adopter of apple products, but this one I might just wait until Vision Pro 3 arrives.

 

[victorvictoria]

No wonder Apple charges $500 for AppleCare on it!

 

[NT1440]

WTF does “over engineered” mean when nothing else crams this much tech into this space?

 

[spazzcat]

WTF does “over engineered” mean when nothing else crams this much tech into this space?

By not doing the most basic design to save cost. Which, of course, is not Apple's philosophy.

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

WTF does “over engineered” mean when nothing else crams this much tech into this space?

Roughly "we want to sell more screwdriver sets".

 

[citysnaps]

The operating system alone is worth $3,500.00.
I used to be an early adopter of apple products, but this one I might just wait until Vision Pro 3 arrives.

Same here. It'll probably be gen 2 or 3 for me. In the meantime, I'm closely following its release and uses.

 

[town3r]

Oh man, it would be so cool if it like switched to night vision mode using the IR lights and IR cams if you’re in a dark space.

 

[IIGS User]

It's expensive. I get it. Get OVER it. It's WAY too expensive for me, and for most people. That's just first world first adopter issues. Everything that's new and complicated is super expensive if it's worth its salt.

Apple wasn't going to come out with an innovative, groundbreaking device and price it at $499. Sorry if that grinds people the wrong way, but that's just life. If they did people would complain that Apple undershot and missed the mark.

People with money to fritter away will snatch up every last one they make at the asking price. THOSE people pay the brunt of the R&D cost that is passed on to the consumer. SO when the second model comes out and is half the price with twice the capability more people can afford or justify the expense.

So go to an Apple store, try it on and ooh and ahh at it and remember that in 2 years, you'll probably be able to buy one for about $1500 with double the capability and a ton of applications.

By today's standards, this thing is a marvel of engineering and design. It truly is a glimpse into what the future holds. The impact it will have in the fields of research and design, engineering, medicine, and architecture are on par with the changes the iPhone has had on communication and commerce.

 

[klasma]

Or has a different opinion than yours?

Differing opinions clearly need trigger warnings.

 

[citysnaps]

It's expensive. I get it. Get OVER it. It's WAY too expensive for me, and for most people. That's just first world first adopter issues. Everything that's new and complicated is super expensive if it's worth its salt.

Apple wasn't going to come out with an innovative, groundbreaking device and price it at $499. Sorry if that grinds people the wrong way, but that's just life. If they did people would complain that Apple undershot and missed the mark.

People with money to fritter away will snatch up every last one they make at the asking price. THOSE people pay the brunt of the R&D cost that is passed on to the consumer. SO when the second model comes out and is half the price with twice the capability more people can afford or justify the expense.

So go to an Apple store, try it on and ooh and ahh at it and remember that in 2 years, you'll probably be able to buy one for about $1500 with double the capability and a ton of applications.

By today's standards, this thing is a marvel of engineering and design. It truly is a glimpse into what the future holds. The impact it will have in the fields of research and design, engineering, medicine, and architecture are on par with the changes the iPhone has had on communication and commerce.

Spot-on and well said.

It's very refreshing seeing more and more people understanding what a 1st gen AVP is about. The future is bright for Apple entering this market.