Is weight going to be the VP's downfall?

[toobravetosave]

bit ironic to include technology so people can see your eyes when the weight of the device will have most taking it off after short uses anyway

 

[mattspace]

I hope this design philosophy is reversed before Apple loses its edge and reputation for producing magical devices that are portable, powerful and comfortable.

That's a trio of properties for which you can only get 2 at once in a product, especially a headset.

 

[tomtad]

I'm curious how this will affect your face over time. Surely having a weight pushed onto your face isn't going to do it any good

 

[ke-iron]

The eye display may not be important to you, but I think it serves a critical function for how Apple wants people to use the VP. Without eye contact (even if virtual), communication is hampered because a lot of information is expressed in the eyes, and people don’t want hampered communication—these aren’t things that will change over time. And Apple doesn’t want people to have to take the headset off every time they want to talk to someone because that is simply inconvenient.

So I don’t think they could do away with the front display completely, but maybe they could replace the glass with a lighter material like maybe those matte screens on some monitors. But I don’t see this as likely because matte displays don’t look as sharp and premium as glass, which Apple cares about. The other thing they could do is design the front of the VP to easily flip up exposing the eyes. Not sure Apple would go for this either though. It might compromise other aspects of the headset.

Not sure how much difference aluminum makes. I feel like not as much as glass. But Apple probably also prefers aluminum due to looking/feeling more premium, and because I believe it has more structural integrity than lighter plastic. So I don‘t see them getting rid of that either. But maybe they could perforate it or something to reduce weight.

As others have noted, weight distribution is equally important for comfort. It may be possible to move some of the front components to the back of the head strap.

If they moved components to the head strap to ease the frontal weight you won’t be able to change the head strap.

 

[heretiq]

That's a trio of properties for which you can only get 2 at once in a product, especially a headset.

I understand the headset challenges, but Apple delivered Pro iPhones (pre-iPhone 12 Pro), iPads (pre-M1 iPad Pro) and MacBooks (pre-M1 MacBook Pro) that delivered all three in the past when they prioritized portability over power. I hope they return to that formula.

 

[arkitect]

I don't think it will be the downfall of the AVP… but it will be a major consideration for me personally.

 

[arkitect]

I understand the headset challenges, but Apple delivered Pro iPhones (pre-iPhone 12 Pro), iPads (pre-M1 iPad Pro) and MacBooks (pre-M1 MacBook Pro) that delivered all three in the past when they prioritized portability over power. I hope they return to that formula.

Yes!
This is the one product that we could have done for Ive's crazy quest for ever thinner and thinner and lighter. 🙂

 

[tobyringle69]

I keep seeing the neck brace meme, but personally, the overall weight of the headset isn't what bothers me, it's the pressure on my face.

Agreed. I think people often confuse the 2 "feelings". The VP could be half the weight, but it's still a new experience having a large product pressed against your face for an extended amount of time. Im still "all in" and anxious to see how the experience is for watching a full length movie. Watching them at home with VP will most likely be a novelty at first, but watching when traveling will be ideal.

 

[kreasu_]

I’m sure a third party halo strap will fix the weight distribution issue

 

[Polinsky]

the weight of the device will have most taking it off after short uses anyway

That is only true for those who believe this "statement" and anticipate the problem. I am quite sure the weight will NOT be a problem for me.

 

[dante_mr]

As has been pointed out, not all weight is created equal. The further from your face, the bigger the problem. Anyone who has used VR headsets knows this.

In your opinion the screen on front is a gimmick. That doesn't mean Apple didn't prioritize comfort. It means they struck a balance they were comfortable with (pun intended). Prioritizing doesn't mean the ONLY consideration.

I think you are wrong to think apple gave comfort little thought. They are also providing an over the top strap for those that find that better. How is that giving it little thought?

That was a rhetorical question, we are going in circles now. Time will tell, not you or me.

Not only that. But they also have a crap ton of head bands to choose from (around 28 according to a Twitter user). In addition to a few Light Seal cushion sizes.

A company that didn't prioritize comfort would not bother to do that.

Plus they're including 2 strap types in the box.

 

[Shifts]

However, initial impressions have all said that they felt uncomfortable after 20 minutes or so of wearing it due to the weight.

There are over ear headphones which become uncomfortable and feel heavy to wear after some time, and they are undoubtedly all lighter than the Vision Pro. Maybe it is the weight that will be an issue here, but I could see how even a lighter headset could cause discomfort.

Haven't people even complained about Apple's Airpod Max's weight? That is 285 grams for Airpod Max vs 600–650 g for Vision Pro. More headstraps available for Vision Pro, to distribute that weight of course, but I would say no matter how light (within reasonable and realistic numbers), it will still cause discomfort after wearing it for a long time.

Of course 20 min of wearing it can hardly count as a long time, and also a light headset will be more comfortable to wear than a heavier one, but still thought the above could be food for thought.

Edit: I see others already hinted at this in the thread: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/is-weight-going-to-be-the-vps-downfall.2416662/post-32864358

 

[Snørrbjørg]

If the weight in official spec 21.2–22.9 ounces (600–650 g) includes the external battery and cable, i would say that the headset unit is not that really heavy. Lighter than a Quest 3.

 

[tomtad]

If the weight in official spec 21.2–22.9 ounces (600–650 g) includes the external battery and cable, i would say that the headset unit is not that really heavy. Lighter than a Quest 3.

From Apple's website:

Weight varies depending on Light Seal and head band configuration. Separate battery weighs 353g.

 

[Snørrbjørg]

From Apple's website:

Weight varies depending on Light Seal and head band configuration. Separate battery weighs 353g.

Yes. Separate. Full weight for the package is 600-650.

650 - 350 = 300 seems ok for just headset without battery.

 

[tomtad]

Yes. Separate. Full weight for the package is 600-650.

650 - 350 = 300 seems ok for just headset without battery.

What? The weight is separate. The weight of the headset is between 600 to 650 grams (depending on band and light seal used)

The separate battery weighs 353 grams.