The Apple Vision Pro 2 Is Here: What’s Actually New (and What’s Not Worth It)

I Was Skeptical at First

When Apple announced the Vision Pro 2 back in March, I rolled my eyes. The first one was impressive tech but a hard sell at $3,499. I tried it at a demo event and thought, “Cool, but who’s actually buying this?” Turns out, not many people. Sales were reportedly below expectations.

But the Vision Pro 2 launched last week at $2,999, and the reviews have been… glowing? That got my attention. So I borrowed one from a friend (thanks, Dave) and spent two weeks using it for work, entertainment, and just messing around. Here’s what I found.

What’s Actually New

Let’s start with the hardware. The Vision Pro 2 is 15% lighter than the original. That might not sound like much, but the first one felt like strapping a brick to your face. After an hour, I’d get a headache. The new version is noticeably more comfortable. I wore it for three hours straight watching Dune: Part Three (yes, it’s out now) and barely noticed it.

The display is still stunning. Same micro-OLED panels, but Apple tweaked the refresh rate to 120Hz. Everything feels smoother. Typing on the virtual keyboard is still awkward, but it’s improved. I actually managed to write a short email without rage-quitting.

The big new feature is hand tracking 2.0. The original’s tracking was good, but this is eerie. It picks up subtle finger movements—like tapping your thumb to your index finger—without a controller. I played a game where I had to conduct a virtual orchestra, and it felt like actual magic. Not a gimmick.

The Software Finally Feels Ready

Original Vision Pro launched with a weak app library. That’s changed. There are now over 2,000 native apps, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Lightroom, and a bunch of games. I used it to edit a photo in Lightroom while floating in a virtual meadow. It was ridiculous and wonderful.

The new “Spatial Desktop” feature lets you pin multiple virtual monitors in your space. I worked with a 34-inch ultra-wide monitor on my left, a browser in the middle, and Slack on the right. All floating in my living room. It’s the most productive I’ve ever felt outside an office. But it’s not perfect—the text is slightly blurry at the edges, and I had to recalibrate the eye tracking twice.

The Killer App: Immersive Video

Apple’s been pushing immersive video, and it finally pays off. There’s a new series called “Edge of the Earth” where you’re on a cliff in Patagonia. I actually felt vertigo. Another one puts you on a Formula 1 track during a race. The sense of presence is unreal.

But the content library is still small. You can binge everything in a weekend. After that, you’re stuck with regular 3D movies, which are fine but not revolutionary. If Apple doesn’t invest in more content, the Vision Pro 2 will be a tech demo in a box.

The Social Awkwardness Factor

Let’s be real: wearing a Vision Pro in public makes you look like a cyborg with social issues. The “EyeSight” feature that shows your eyes to others is better this time—brighter and less creepy—but you still can’t have a normal conversation while wearing it. I tried to order coffee with it on. The barista laughed at me.

This is a device for solo use. If you’re okay with that, great. But don’t expect to share the experience easily. The guest mode is clunky, and taking it on and off is a hassle.

Battery Life: Still the Weakest Link

Apple claims 2.5 hours of use. In reality, I got about 2 hours before the battery pack died. The pack is still an external brick you clip to your pocket, which is annoying. You can plug it in for unlimited use, but then you’re tethered to a wall. For a $3,000 device, this feels like a compromise from 2020.

Rumors say the next version will have a built-in battery. That’s probably a year away. If you can wait, wait.

Who Should Buy This?

Honestly? Not most people. If you’re a developer, a creative professional, or a hardcore tech enthusiast, the Vision Pro 2 is amazing. It’s the best spatial computing device I’ve ever used. But for the average person? The price is still too high, the use cases are too narrow, and the social friction is real.

I’m returning mine after this review. I’m impressed, but I don’t need it. What I really want is a cheaper version—maybe $1,500—that does 80% of what this does. That’s when spatial computing goes mainstream.

Final Verdict

The Vision Pro 2 is a triumph of engineering and a flawed product. It’s the best VR/AR headset money can buy, but it’s still asking you to reshape your life around it. If you’re in the market, try a demo first. Don’t just buy it because it’s Apple. Your wallet will thank you.