Mark Zuckerberg's Take on Apple's Vision Pro Headset Compared to Meta's Quest 3

In a surprising move, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared his thoughts on Apple's Vision Pro, the latest mixed reality headset rivaling Meta's Quest 3. Posting a video review on Instagram, Zuckerberg expressed his unexpected verdict.

"Alright, guys, so, I finally tried Apple's Vision Pro," Zuckerberg begins in the video. "Before this, I expected that Quest would be the better value for most people because it's really good and it's like seven times less expensive," he said, noting Quest 3's $500 starting price compared to Vision Pro's $3,500. "But after using it, I don't just think Quest is the better value, I think Quest is the better product, period."

Zuckerberg's video, shot with a Quest 3, showcases the "passthrough" feature, allowing viewers to see what the headset wearer sees via external cameras. The footage displays large digital screens floating beside Zuckerberg, similar to the features advertised for Vision Pro, albeit possibly in lower definition. Zuckerberg also delivers several critiques of Vision Pro, aiming to elevate Meta's product.

Apple has not responded to requests for comment regarding Zuckerberg's video.

Here's a quick overview of each product:

- Meta Quest 3: A wireless headset with handheld controllers, advertised by Meta for immersive gaming experiences, starting at $500. Reviewers praise its compact design and comfort compared to previous Meta headsets. Meta also offers a more advanced option, the Meta Quest Pro, at a higher price point.

- Apple Vision Pro: A sleek headset with a wired attachment to a battery pack, operated using hand and eye signals instead of controllers. Reviewers applaud its familiar interface and 4K resolution screen, highlighting its superiority for immersive video and movie viewing. However, with a starting price of $3,500, it comes at a premium.

While both Quest 3 and Vision Pro may not yet appeal to the average consumer due to their size, discomfort, and limited use cases, Meta and Apple are vying for leadership in the mixed reality space. Both companies envision mixed reality as the future of computing, albeit with slightly different approaches. Meta envisions users spending significant time in a digital world called the "metaverse," while Apple anticipates the device augmenting real-world experiences, similar to the iPhone's impact since its launch.

The rivalry between Meta and Apple extends beyond mixed reality, encompassing various tech domains such as news, messaging features, data privacy, and app store policies. In 2022, Meta anticipated a $10 billion hit due to Apple's data collection limitations, highlighting the ongoing competition between the two tech giants.