As it finally gets ready to reach consumers, Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ: AAPL) new mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro, has sparked a minor controversy. It is reportedly equipped with an external battery pack that users need to carry around, and Apple has been hiding it from photos.
What Happened: WIRED reported that the Vision Pro, which shares some similarities with other products like the Meta Quest, features an external aluminum battery pack linked to the headset.
The external battery pack was conspicuously missing from images and videos during the press briefing. Apple reportedly asked journalists not to capture their own images or videos of the equipment, supplying them with images captured by their own photographer instead.
Industry experts have diverse views on external battery design. Some consider it a necessary compromise to provide advanced features without adding weight, while others argue that most VR experiences are short, making an external battery unnecessary.
Apple's Vision Pro is being marketed as "the ultimate workspace," ideal for seated activities such as working, watching movies, and viewing old photos. The company has not responded to inquiries about the restrictions on photographing the Vision Pro or any plans to share more images of the battery.
Why It Matters: The Vision Pro was originally aimed at sectors such as surgery, aircraft repair, and education. Apple executives Mike Rockwell and Alan Dye had discussed the potential uses of Vision Pro with employees.
Before the headset's release, Apple TV+ had announced a series of exclusive, immersive originals set to debut on Vision Pro.
However, the launch faced a setback as Vision Pro will not have a Netflix app. Netflix suggests users watch its programming via a web browser. YouTube and Spotify Technology SA also decided against launching their apps on Vision Pro.