According to technology analyst and Stratechery founder Ben Thompson, Apple's new AR/VR headset, called the Vision Pro, not only represents a new computing platform but also has the potential to be a valuable accessory for Apple's desktop computers. Thompson believes that the Vision Pro could be the "future of the Mac."
The iPad has faced limitations as a productivity tool due to touch input and operating system constraints. However, Thompson sees the Vision Pro's ability to extend a Mac desktop as crucial for enhancing productivity. During the WWDC keynote, Apple unveiled the Vision Pro, its highly anticipated venture into augmented and virtual reality, which the company refers to as "spacial computing."
Priced at $3,499, the Vision Pro's initial cost reflects the complexity of manufacturing such a product. However, over time, the price is likely to decrease. Apple introduced a range of features for the headset, including immersive FaceTime calls, gaming applications, and the capability to extend a user's Mac desktop into their surroundings.
This feature effectively provides unlimited screen space, freeing users from the constraints of a typical 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook display. While the Vision Pro is primarily designed for hand-based gestures, users can connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse when they want to mirror their desktop experience.
Thompson observes that Apple's initial idea of the iPad being a productivity device did not fully materialize due to the limitations of its operating system, iPadOS. iPadOS can be cumbersome, requiring users to jump through hoops to accomplish tasks. Additionally, connecting peripheral devices like hard drives and cameras has never been intuitive. In contrast, Mac computers allow users to download apps from various sources and install custom shortcuts and other tools that are not possible on iOS. Furthermore, the support for a mouse on iPadOS is not as seamless since the apps are primarily designed for touch input.
The Vision Pro has the ability to support productivity apps independently, thanks to its access to the App Store and large developer community. Furthermore, apps made for the iPad can be easily ported to the Vision Pro. However, Thompson does not believe that the Vision Pro itself will replace the Mac, as he doubts that Apple will make it less constrained than iOS or iPadOS.
Some individuals who had the opportunity to try the Vision Pro at WWDC have described it as a product in search of a purpose. This sentiment was similar to the initial reception of the Apple Watch, which was packed with features in the hope that it would resonate with users. While the Vision Pro is launching with several expected features, Thompson emphasizes the importance of its ability to mirror a desktop computer. He states in his newsletter, "I do think that visionOS is much more compelling for productivity than the iPad is, thanks to the infinite canvas it enables. If you have to jump through the same sort of hoops to get stuff done that you do with the iPad, well, that ability to project a Mac screen into the Vision Pro is going to be essential."
Thompson highlights that Apple is employing "high-bandwidth connections" to share desktop screens with the Vision Pro, indicating the possibility of a direct WiFi connection between the two devices to minimize lag. There is also a chance that Apple might allow wired connections in the future, given that the Vision Pro already uses a wired connection for its battery. The Mac can already mirror its screen to an iPad using Apple's Sidecar feature, which operates with minimal lag. Overall, viewing the Vision Pro as a product that enhances the functionality and usefulness of the Mac lineup is an interesting perspective. The concept of extending a desktop computer into one's surroundings is not new, as demonstrated by Meta's Quest headsets within Workrooms spaces. However, Apple's seamless integration between its hardware and software ecosystem, along with native support for FaceTime, iMessage, and other services, makes Vision Pro an attractive proposition. This level of polish from Apple could potentially create a mainstream market for headset computers. If the extended desktop feature works well and the price of the headset decreases (which is expected), the ability to extend a desktop computer could become a significant selling point. Whether on a plane or a train, Mac users would no longer be limited by the small screens of their MacBooks, constantly toggling between apps or squeezing windows side by side.