Have you tried the Apple Vision Pro? I hadn't, but after hearing friends raving about it over dinner the other day, I couldn't resist checking it out. Is it a game changer or is it a new Apple Newton? Here's what I discovered when I finally got my hands (and eyes) on it.

You need an appointment

So there I was at the Covent Garden Apple Store, eager to try on the device. I saw one in front of me and tried to pick it up. No can do! Unlike most other Apple products that you can typically try on the spot, this one required an appointment. The process felt more exclusive, signaling that this was no ordinary product. I booked an appointment, which gave me some time to soak in the vibe of Covent Garden while I waited.

The Premium Setup

Returning to the store, I realised this wasn't your typical demo. From the personalised attention to the elegantly designed demo area resembling a luxurious living room, it felt like a premium experience from the start. Upon arrival, I was escorted to the first floor, where they had converted the space to a ‘living room’ experience.

Personalised Fitting

Once seated, the experience became more intimate and focused on me as an individual user. The representative (will call him Remel) began by scanning my face, explaining it was to determine the right size for me. While it initially felt gimmicky (there are only two sizes, after all), I later learned about the 38 different light seals and 900 corrective lens options. This personalization wasn't explained at the time, which would have been helpful.

Another employee brought out my demo unit on a round wooden platter. There was an almost ceremonial feel to the experience.

Diving Into "Spatial Computing"

Remel introduced me to Apple's vision of "spatial computing." Unlike traditional computing, which is confined to screens, spatial computing blends digital content seamlessly into the real-world environment. It was as though the digital world extended beyond the screen and into my physical space.

When the device powered up, the familiar Apple startup sound immediately grounded the futuristic headset in a familiar experience. The interface was clean and minimalistic, designed to blend seamlessly with the real-world environment.

I received a brief primer on using glances and thumb/finger taps to select, move, and zoom. Rather than feeling restricted by the scripted nature of the walkthrough (as some have reported), I felt that the experience was more like a conversation with Remel, who was easy to talk to.

The Demo Experience

We started with the Photos app, selecting and zooming into images. Then came the panoramic views, which were impressive. But what truly blew me away were the immersive experiences:

Watching a tightrope walker for two minutes, feeling a sense of vertigo as she balanced precariously above
Sitting courtside at an NBA game, with LeBron James dunking so close I could almost feel the vibration of the court
Observing elephants in their natural habitat, their massive presence feeling tangibly real compared to seeing them in a zoo
Witnessing three Parisian parkour athletes leaping towards me, instinctively making me want to step back

The visual fidelity and sound immersion were unlike anything I'd experienced before, creating a sense of presence that was truly remarkable.

These exclusive, unique experiences made me realize that entertainment and educational content might be the killer apps for this technology, even as productivity tools mature.

In addition to being my first VR experience that didn't cause nausea, the headset itself was comfortable—light enough that it didn’t tire me during the 30 minutes of use. Though, I’m not sure how keeping it on for longer would feel.

Would I Buy It?

Would I buy it? As it stands, no. While the entertainment aspect is jaw-dropping, it's a solitary experience, and I prefer something I can share with my family. The productivity potential remains to be seen, and this technology is still in its early stages. If Apple can build on this foundation and create more collaborative or practical uses, I might reconsider in the future. For now, it's a thrilling glimpse into what's possible, but not an essential addition to my life.

Apple Vision Pro: Demo Experience