Hands-On with Apple's Vision Pro 2: What's Actually Fixed

When the original Apple Vision Pro launched in early 2024, I was skeptical. I tried it, wrote about it, and ultimately decided it was a $3,500 tech demo. The hardware was impressive, but the software felt half-baked. The weight was uncomfortable after 30 minutes, and I couldn't figure out what I was actually supposed to do with it. It felt like a product searching for a purpose.

Fast forward to June 2026, and Apple has just released the Vision Pro 2. I've been using one for the past week, and I have to say: I'm genuinely surprised. Not everything is fixed — far from it — but the improvements are substantial enough that I'm starting to see the vision (pun intended) that Apple has been working toward all along.

First Impression: It's Actually Comfortable Now

The original Vision Pro weighed about 650 grams. That might not sound like a lot, but when it's strapped to your face, it becomes very noticeable very quickly. The Vision Pro 2 drops that to around 450 grams, which doesn't seem like a huge difference, but it absolutely is. I wore it for two hours straight while watching a movie, and I only took it off because the movie ended, not because my neck hurt. That's a genuine improvement.

Apple also redesigned the headband. The original used a knit material that got sweaty and uncomfortable. The new one uses a breathable mesh with better weight distribution. The light seal is also thinner and more flexible, which means less pressure on your cheeks. Small changes, but they add up to a much better experience.

The Software: Still the Same, But Better

The core idea of visionOS hasn't changed. You're still arranging apps in your space, pinning windows wherever you want, and navigating with your eyes and fingers. But version 2.0 of the software is noticeably smoother. The hand tracking is more reliable — I don't have to wave my hands around to get it to recognize my gestures. The eye tracking is also faster, though it still has occasional hiccups when I look at something quickly.

The biggest software improvement is the new productivity features. You can now connect the Vision Pro to your Mac and get a virtual 4K monitor that's as big as you want. I'm writing this article on a 100-inch virtual screen right now, and honestly, it's incredible. The text is sharp, there's no noticeable latency, and I can have Slack, Safari, and a terminal window all floating around me. It's the first time I've felt like this device could actually replace my monitor setup.

The Price: Still High, But More Reasonable

The Vision Pro 2 starts at $2,499. That's still expensive — let's not pretend otherwise. But it's a thousand dollars less than the original, and considering the improvements, it feels like a more reasonable ask. You're getting better hardware, improved software, and a more mature ecosystem. Whether that's worth $2,499 depends on what you want to do with it.

For developers and early adopters, the price is justifiable. For creative professionals who need a massive virtual display, it's starting to make sense. For the average person? Probably not yet. But for the first time, I can see a path where this becomes a mainstream product in another generation or two.

The Killer App: What Finally Makes It Click

The original Vision Pro didn't have a killer app. It was a general-purpose computing device that didn't excel at anything specific. The Vision Pro 2 changes that with the introduction of Apple Immersive Video 2.0. It's a new format that's being adopted by major sports leagues and studios. I watched an NBA game in immersive video — it felt like I was sitting courtside. I watched a documentary about the Great Barrier Reef, and I actually flinched when a fish swam past my face.

Apple is also partnering with Disney to bring immersive experiences to the platform. There's a new short film from Pixar that's designed specifically for the Vision Pro, and it's genuinely emotional in a way that normal 2D movies can't replicate. This is the kind of content that makes the headset worth putting on. It's not there yet — there are maybe a dozen truly great experiences — but it's a start.

Should You Buy One?

I'm not going to tell you to rush out and spend $2,499 on a headset. That's a lot of money, and the Vision Pro 2 is still not for everyone. But if you're a developer, a filmmaker, or someone who works in 3D design, this is genuinely the best tool for the job. If you're just curious, find an Apple Store and try one. The demo is about 30 minutes, and it's a genuinely impressive experience.

For me, the Vision Pro 2 has become something I use every day — not for everything, but for specific tasks where it genuinely excels. It's not a smartphone killer or a laptop replacement. It's a new category of device that's finally starting to find its purpose. And that's more than I could say about the original.