Apple unveils Vision Pro, its $3,499 augmented-reality headset

The price: $3,499 when it arrives in stores early next year.

But after Apple’s launch spectacle fades, one critical question will remain: Why would you want to wear a computer on your face? Beyond a cool demo experience, why would you choose to strap on a Reality Pro instead of grabbing your smartphone, tablet, laptop or TV?

Rivals Google, Microsoft, Meta and others have all tried, and failed, to offer a satisfactory answer to that question over the last decade with their own VR and AR devices. This technology, so far, has been a solution in search of a problem.

In its slick launch presentation, Apple’s “what’s it good for” answer boiled down to: This is reality, not some soulless metaverse. More than any other use, Apple spent time showcasing how to bring existing work and communication apps inside the goggles of the Vision Pro. It also highlighted using the device for immersive movie watching and communicating with friends and co-workers, where you’re represented by a digital avatar baked on a scan of your face.

That’s a smart pitch, but it presumes Apple’s hardware has overcome some major hurdles, including comfort, motion sickness and intuitive ways to control the apps and even type.

This story will be updated.