Product Note: Apple Vision Pro - The Potential of Spatial Computing

One notable impact of the pandemic is that it primed lawyers to be more receptive to new technologies. Lawyers who were once wary of social media, cloud computing, and virtual meetings are now far more curious about the possibilities of technology, with many of them seeking to incorporate tools into their firms that streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and improve client interactions.

Of course, with newfound curiosity about technology sometimes comes “bright-and-shiny-object syndrome.” Once you realize how beneficial technology can be, every new tool you read about may pique your interest. If you’ve caught that bug, you might be wondering about the recently released Apple Vision Pro, a new headset that promises a blend of augmented and virtual reality and introduces a new way of interacting with software and computing interfaces.

The possibilities of mixed-reality computing using the Vision Pro are endless and exciting. This new headset offers a glimpse into the future of technology-assisted legal practice, but it also comes with a hefty price tag and some practical limitations.

That’s why my recommendation is that in its current form, the drawbacks of the Vision Pro outweigh the benefits for all but the most tech-savvy of lawyers. The majority of lawyers should hold off on purchasing the Vision Pro for now.

The Good

The Vision Pro offers some compelling use cases for lawyers right out of the gate. The Zoom integration, which creates a virtual meeting environment using realistic avatars, is quite immersive. Interacting with your Mac’s display in a simulated large-screen format offers an environment that is both intuitive and engaging.

Another notable benefit is the Vision Pro’s impressive visual quality and spatial audio. These features result in an unparalleled media experience when watching movies and shows on the Vision Pro’s simulated theater screen.

Perhaps its biggest strength is the advanced hand-tracking and gesture control system, allowing you to manipulate digital content in 3D space. This functionality removes interface barriers, resulting in a much more streamlined and frictionless computing experience.

The Not-So-Good

The Vision Pro is still a first-generation product with notable limitations. Like the iPhone when it was first released, the current selection of compatible apps is comparatively small, with only a handful of productivity apps available. While impressive on its own, the device’s full potential remains unrealized in the absence of a robust and growing app ecosystem.

Additionally, the headset’s weight can lead to neck strain and eye fatigue during extended use sessions. Some users may also experience motion sickness in the virtual environment, at least initially.

And of course, that $3,499 price tag is a significant barrier to entry for most. This is cutting-edge technology, which comes at a premium. There are indications that a lighter, less expensive headset is in the works, so the pricing and ergonomic issues may resolve over time.

The Verdict

For most lawyers, investing in the Apple Vision Pro may be premature. However, if you’re an early adopter and enjoy exploring emerging technologies, it could be worth the investment. It’s a very impressive innovation and offers a glimpse into the future of immersive computing.

As the app ecosystem expands, comfort and weight issues are addressed, and prices inevitably drop over time, the Vision Pro (or its successors) could become an indispensable tool for lawyers that will enhance productivity, collaboration, and data visualization.

Early adopters and technology enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate and explore with the current iteration. But for more pragmatic legal professionals, it may be wise to wait for this ambitious new product category to further mature before taking the plunge.