Apple’s new VR headset, the Vision Pro, priced at $3,500, has caught attention for its unique feature – an external battery pack. Despite initial claims that the pack’s cable is non-detachable, users have discovered it can be easily removed using a SIM card removal tool or paperclip. Resembling Apple’s older lightning port, the port on the battery pack has been dubbed “chunky Lightning” due to its 12-pin configuration. While Apple insists the cable and battery should not be separated, users have successfully detached the cable through a small hole in the battery pack.
Reviews of the Vision Pro have generally been positive regarding the overall experience, but criticisms have been directed at its 2-to-2.5-hour battery lifespan. Users expressed a desire to purchase extra battery packs for extended use, leading to frustration over Apple’s initial stance. The revelation of the detachable cable opens possibilities for users to hot-swap batteries during longer sessions, offering a potential solution to the battery life issue.
Size comparison between the "fat" Lightning plug for the Apple Vision Pro's battery pack, compared to reg Lightning plug, and second and third pics are compared to USB-C (width) and then top shot to show thickness https://t.co/tRhUHYOJjl pic.twitter.com/7n6UMWhjnA
— Ray Wong (@raywongy) January 31, 2024
Despite speculation about Apple’s intention to maintain control over its proprietary system, it remains unclear why the company didn’t incorporate a user-friendly mechanism, such as a removable cable button on the battery pack. Some suggest that this discovery could pave the way for third-party companies to develop larger batteries for the Vision Pro, enhancing its usability. The decision to use a specific cable type and limit cable removal raises questions about Apple’s strategy, especially considering past efforts to adhere to proprietary standards before adopting the USB-C standard due to EU regulations. As users uncover the device’s intricacies, the debate continues over Apple’s choices regarding the Vision Pro’s battery system and potential impacts on user flexibility.
