Analyst blames users 'not knowing how to use Apple Vision Pro' for high returns, predicts next-gen mixed reality headset for 2025 production

Despite the initial hype surrounding the Apple Vision Pro, early reports indicated that return rates for the mixed reality headset were inordinately high. Now, a report from Apple analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo posits in an analyst note (machine translated version) that as many as 20–30% of Apple Vision Pro returns are as a result of users not knowing how to set up their $3,500 headsets.

It's worth noting that the analysis also indicates that less than 1% of Vision Pro buyers returned their headsets, which is impressively low and counter to early reports. Some of the consumer criticism of the Vision Pro has been the weight of the device and low resolution when it comes to the EyeSight feature and virtual desktops.

Kuo also digs into future iterations of the Apple Vision Pro, stating that Apple is currently taking user feedback. While a second-generation Vision Pro is reportedly planned, the production is allegedly only slated to start in late 2025 or early 2026, and it is likely to be a slight revision, focussing on efficiency rather than a total overhaul of the spec of the headset.

A significant specifications overhaul for the Vision Pro isn't expected until at least 2027. Given Apple's history of long software support, this shouldn't be an issue for Vision Pro buyers, but there may be potential buyers waiting in the wings for when Apple resolves the aforementioned weight and fidelity qualms highlighted by some.

If you're looking to get into VR but don't want to spend $3,500 on an Apple Vision Pro, check out the Valve Index VR kit on Amazon. The Meta Quest 3 (curr. $499 on Amazon) also offers much of the functionality of the Apple Vision Pro at a fraction of the price.