Imagine eagerly unboxing your brand new mixed-reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, after shelling out a hefty $3500. Excitement fills the air as you spend the entire day immersed in its immersive capabilities, carefully packing it away in its protective case afterward. However, the next morning, as you eagerly reach for your prized possession, your enthusiasm is met with a sinking feeling as you notice a hairline crack marring the front cover glass. A sense of dread sets in as you realize that something has gone awry with your expensive investment.
Reports have started trickling in from a small number of Vision Pro owners, detailing similar experiences of discovering cracks in the front glass of their headsets. The cracks typically manifest as vertical hairline fractures above the nose bridge, leaving users perplexed as to what could be causing this alarming issue.
Vision Pro Crack Gate
The cracking issue with the Vision Pro front glass was initially reported on the VisionPro subreddit about 18 days ago, coinciding with the product’s initial release. Since then, several users have encountered the same problem, with the number of cases increasing in the last week. Users have shared images showing a similar vertical hairline crack above the nose bridge, indicating that the damage occurs at a specific point of tension, where the curvature of the laminated glass is most pronounced.
Just recently, a Reddit user recounted his unexpected discovery of a lengthy crack in the front glass of his Vision Pro headset. He detailed how the headset had been securely nestled within the confines of the Apple travel case before the crack became apparent.
“Joining the ranks of a few others, I’ve recently noticed a lengthy crack in the front glass of my Vision Pro headset. It has been carefully stored in the Apple travel-case and has undergone minimal usage, typically just a couple of hours a day. Notably, I haven’t experienced any drops or mishaps, as evidenced by the pristine condition of the rest of the glass, free from scratches or dents. (The white dots visible are simply specks of dust.)”
This sparked a flurry of discussions within the community, with some users corroborating similar issues with their own headsets, while others voiced skepticism or opposition.
Additionally, reports of the Apple Vision Pro crack problem began cropping up on the Apple Community forum, further amplifying concerns over the issue. Furthermore, tech publication Engadget noted encountering the same problem with their review unit and has reached out to Apple for an official comment on the matter.
All reports unanimously described the crack appearing suddenly and without any apparent cause. Users explicitly stated that the issue arose after connecting the headsets to an external battery pack and storing them overnight, with the soft front cover attached, within Apple’s Travel Case. Furthermore, all affected Redditors emphasized that they hadn’t mishandled the device in any way, such as dropping it or storing it improperly, which could lead to cracks in the front glass.
Potential Causes of Vision Pro Front Glass Cracks
Speculation regarding the Vision Pro suggests that the headset could develop a crack due to the pressure exerted on the front glass when tightening the straps. An alternative theory posits that the problem might arise from overheating while charging the headset inside the case or with the cover on. This could cause the glass to expand, resulting in a hairline crack at its most vulnerable point.
On the other hand, some users believe there could be a manufacturing problem in some units or a design flaw that exerts excessive pressure on a specific area.
What to Do If Your Vision Pro Front Screen Is Cracked
If you discover that the front glass of your Vision Pro is cracking, it’s crucial to promptly reach out to Apple for assistance. As of now, Apple has not officially acknowledged the issue as a manufacturing defect, which means they will not cover the repair under the device’s warranty. Numerous users have reported being asked to cover the repair costs themselves.
For those with AppleCare coverage, repairing the front cover glass will incur a fee of $300. However, for those without Apple Care, the repair costs can soar to as high as $800.
While Apple has previously implemented special repair programs to address hardware issues with its devices, they typically only acknowledge manufacturing flaws if a significant number of identical reports surface. Currently, the total number of affected units remains undisclosed. However, based on current data, it appears that the number is relatively small.
Apple, Where’s the Quality Check?
While only a small fraction of users have reported front glass cracking on the Vision Pro, it raises significant questions about Apple’s quality control measures. How could such issues slip through the cracks of a high-end $3500 device? The Vision Pro is positioned as a premium headset, commanding a hefty price tag, which naturally heightens user expectations. As such, Apple bears the responsibility to ensure a flawless user experience. With reports surfacing of front glass crack issues, users rightly expect Apple to provide either a free replacement or, at the very least, a complimentary repair. It seems unjust for Apple to charge an additional $300 (or even $800) for repairing a problem that did not arise due to user mishandling.
Since its announcement at WWDC 2023, the Vision Pro has enjoyed considerable attention and acclaim for its innovation, often hailed as a masterstroke by Apple. However, barely a month into its release, the headset has faced considerable backlash due to these reported issues.
It’s not uncommon for first-generation devices to encounter some teething problems, whether minor software bugs or a lack of compatible apps and content, as users have noted with the Vision Pro. Such issues can typically be rectified through future software updates, or perhaps addressed in a second generation of the device.
However, problems like front glass cracking are not software-related or attributable to compatibility issues. Apple must swiftly address this issue and demonstrate respect for its high-end customers, who have invested a substantial sum in a mixed reality headset. With several Vision Pro alternatives already on the market, boasting lower price tags and fewer issues, Apple cannot afford to overlook the concerns of its discerning clientele.
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