Apple Vision Pro, the highly anticipated headset from Apple, has finally hit the stores and reached the hands of thousands of customers in the U.S. As expected, there have been numerous hands-on reviews and drop tests conducted to assess the durability and performance of this new device. While the front glass of the Vision Pro has proven to be quite resistant to accidental damage, recent tests have revealed that it is highly susceptible to scratches.
Renowned YouTuber JerryRigEverything, known for subjecting new products to extreme stress tests, recently shared a teardown of the Apple Vision Pro. In his experiments, he focused on the glass covering the EyeSight’s cameras, sensors, and display. The results were not as promising as some had hoped. Typically, laminated glass has a plastic interlayer that enhances its resistance and reduces its susceptibility to shattering. However, in the case of the Vision Pro, the plastic layer is placed on top of the glass.
This unusual configuration makes the external display of the Vision Pro extremely vulnerable to scratches. Tests conducted using the Mohs scale of mineral hardness revealed that the front glass of the Vision Pro gets slightly scratched at level two, with deeper scratches appearing at level three. In comparison, most smartphone glasses scratch at levels six and seven. This means that everyday objects like keys, coins, and even dust can leave permanent marks on the glass. To mitigate this issue, Apple includes a special cover for the external display and a polishing cloth in the box. However, if the front glass does get damaged, Apple charges a hefty $799 for its replacement.
Interestingly, despite its susceptibility to scratches, the Vision Pro does seem to be more resistant to accidental damage. In a drop test conducted by AppleTrack, the headset had to be dropped multiple times before the glass finally broke. This indicates that while the glass may be prone to scratches, it is still capable of withstanding some level of impact.
Overall, the Apple Vision Pro has received mixed reviews due to its scratch-prone front glass. While the device offers impressive features and performance, potential buyers should be aware of the need for extra caution to prevent scratches on the external display. Despite this drawback, the Vision Pro remains a highly sought-after headset, and Apple enthusiasts eagerly await any updates or improvements that may address this issue.
For more in-depth coverage of the Vision Pro launch in the U.S., be sure to visit 9to5Mac’s website.