Why does Apple make it so hard to share the Vision Pro?

Apple's Vision Pro: A Single-User Device in a Multi-User World

Apple's Vision Pro, despite its solitary reputation, has the potential for multi-user appeal. Its design and features, such as the easy-to-adjust Solo Knit Band and simple biometric login option, suggest a device built for sharing. However, Apple's approach to user experience hampers this potential.

The Vision Pro requires a minute of calibration for its eye-tracking cameras before use. This is not a one-time process; it needs to be done every time a new user wears the headset. This, coupled with the lack of support for multiple accounts, makes the device less user-friendly for shared use.

The Vision Pro is priced at $3,499, a hefty amount for a device that only allows one person to fully utilize its features. This is unlike most other computing devices, such as Android phones or MacBooks, which support multiple user profiles.

The process of buying extra parts, like the light seal that fits the device to your face, is also cumbersome. An extra seal costs $199 and requires an in-person visit to an Apple Store or an online order with a Face ID-equipped iOS device.

Despite these limitations, the Vision Pro has potential for shared use. Its hardware and features are well-suited for tasks like 3D design or entertainment, which are often shared within a household or workplace. However, Apple's insistence on a single-user experience, even as the hardware becomes more affordable and streamlined, undermines this potential.

In conclusion, while the Vision Pro has the potential to be a valuable multi-user device, Apple's current approach to user experience restricts this potential. For the Vision Pro to truly shine, Apple may need to reconsider its stance on device sharing and multi-user support.

The original article: https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/16/24058318/apple-vision-pro-sharing-difficulties