You sound pretty desperate for validation so Im not going to engage on that front.
However, I actually agree that the Vision product - either the current 'pro' or potential 'non-pro' future versions has a huge hill to climb.
Firstly, it's pretty clear that for most people with a normal level of income, even with the allure of the apple badge, $3,500 is beyond the level of affordability. It is simply a product that many cannot afford.
In comparison to the MacBook line... there is a reason of course why the Air sells the most and only a small number of buyers go for the pro line over $2,000.
The thing about VR/AR is that mostly it involves these big chunky headsets and their use cases are incredibly niche because of it. You wouldnt want to be using one in a room where others are not. If you think its a good idea to wear one in the street then good luck to you - not the least because you are advertising you have a $3,500 device about your person... but the disconnect from the environment around you is very unwise. Also in a coffee shop - you really need to be aware of whats going on around you. At home you dont want to be the only one on the sofa wearing one - and good luck affording one for all members of the family. Many people have commented on its discomfort and short battery life and inconvenience of the battery wire.
For the future... I agree in fact that this product cannot be a runaway success. It might well be paving the way for future technologies that are far more socially acceptable such as the AR glasses that are already on the market which just look like sunglasses and are nowhere near as obtrusive. The xReal Airs are a good example and im sure Apple will eventually follow that route.
The thing with the current $3,500 Vision Pro is that there is a lot of hype, and artificial interest. It's so clear that many were purchased by people simply taking advantage of Apple's generous returns police with zero intention of keeping it beyond that. Mostly people desperate for attention, clicks, likes, shares, multiple YouTube videos content.... then send it back.
I would be genuinely interested to see how things pan out here - but I dont think the Vision Pro will ever be a big seller. Given its price point and Apple's business acumen of course it will be a 'profitable' product for them... but I wonder how long it will continue in its present form. Best case I can see is that lessons will be learned and a cheaper product will take its place and ditching the superfluous stuff like the external screen eyesight stuff. I really get vibes of the first gen HomePod which was unceremoniously discontinued once the mini was a proven success.
As much as I dislike Meta and Zuckerberg, and as poorly judged as his recent video was..... I actually agree with him - The Meta Quest 3 *does* a lot that the VP does, and for 1/7th the cost with an integrated battery. It is certainly the better buy right now and Meta are correct to capitalise on the VP's notoriety right now because the Quest 3 gives you 90% of the functionality of VP at 1/7th the price. I would recommend anyone interested in what the VP can do to research hoe the Q3 does it and frankly the experience is just as good.
