Apple's Vision Pro headset, launched in 2024, was expected to revolutionize the virtual reality (VR) market. However, despite its impressive technology and Apple's marketing prowess, the headset has failed to gain mainstream traction. The device's high price point of $3,499 has been a significant barrier to adoption, making it an "early-adopter product" as described by CEO Tim Cook.

The lack of compelling content has also contributed to the headset's limited appeal. While Apple has been adding new software features, such as wide and ultra widescreen settings for using a Mac display, these are specific options for specific use cases, and there isn't an immediate, obvious reason to buy a Vision Pro. The company's immersive content library is still in its infancy, with short and isolating videos that fail to demonstrate the headset's full potential.

In contrast, Meta's VR headsets, particularly the $299 Quest 3S, have been more successful in the market. The Quest 3S offers a similar experience to the more expensive Quest 3, making it a more affordable option for consumers. However, even Meta's headsets have struggled to move beyond gaming and into more practical applications.

The limitations of VR headsets may be inherent to the technology itself. As one writer notes, "I just don’t know if any tech company is going to crack the code on how to make VR headsets anything but solo technology." The isolating nature of VR headsets, which prevent users from making eye contact or easily interacting with their surroundings, may be a fundamental barrier to their widespread adoption.

In light of these challenges, Apple may be shifting its focus to augmented reality (AR) glasses, which have been gaining popularity. The company has reportedly launched an internal study on the market, and AR glasses may offer a more promising route forward. Glasses are more discreet and allow for easier interaction with others, making them a more practical option for everyday use.

Meta's Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which have a camera, speakers, and a fashionable design, have already proven successful. The glasses' ability to capture photos and videos from a user's point of view has been particularly appealing, and their design makes them more socially acceptable than VR headsets.

As the tech industry continues to explore the possibilities of wearable computers, it's clear that VR headsets may not be the future. Instead, AR glasses may hold more promise, offering a more practical and socially acceptable solution for users. Apple's reported shift in focus towards AR glasses may be a sign of things to come, and the company's ability to create stylish and functional products could make them a leader in this emerging market.

For now, Apple's Vision Pro headset remains a niche product, and the company's efforts to make VR mainstream have fallen short. However, the future of wearable computers is still being written, and it will be interesting to see how Apple and other tech companies adapt to the changing landscape.