Unveiling Vision Pro: Apple's Breakthrough in Revolutionizing Digital Wellbeing

Apple's recent release of the "Digital Wellbeing" features aimed to promote healthy usage habits with the iPhone and iPad. However, with the introduction of the Vision Pro headset, Apple seems to be contradicting its own efforts. This device requires users to place two 4K displays just inches away from their eyes for extended periods of time.

The Vision Pro, while not a traditional augmented reality device like the Microsoft HoloLens, does not offer true transparency. Instead of clear lenses that allow you to see your real-life environment, the device displays a real-time feed from its cameras on screens. Even when you want to step out of the virtual reality space, you are still viewing the world through these screens.

The promotional video for the Vision Pro features a peculiar scene where a father is seen recording his children (1:59). The device is capable of capturing videos in 3D, which can then be watched back in 3D using the headset. While the idea of recording high-resolution 3D videos and experiencing them through immersive playback is undoubtedly fascinating, the video struck a strange note with many viewers. The image of the father wearing the Vision Pro goggles while recording his children playing seemed detached from the present moment, unlike the convenience of simply using a phone.

The Vision Pro offers a unique and unprecedented experience that deviates from Apple's typical recommendations. To provide some context, let's reflect on the Digital Wellbeing features that Apple previously introduced. Only then, we can fully appreciate the idea of embracing a screen-based device.

Bedtime, 2016

Apple introduced several "Bedtime" features to the Clock app in iOS 10. These features included reminders close to your bedtime, waking you up at the optimal time, and gentler wake-up sounds.

The “Bedtime” tab has been discontinued in the Clock app by Apple, but the company has not abandoned its features. Instead, Apple has further developed them with the introduction of Focus Mode and Downtime. This marked the initial step in Apple's commitment to incorporating and promoting features that prioritize healthy usage habits.

Screen Time, 2018

In 2018, Digital Wellbeing made significant strides on the iPhone and iPad with the introduction of "Screen Time" in iOS 12. This groundbreaking tool revolutionized the way users monitored their device usage, ultimately setting the stage for the widespread adoption of Digital Wellbeing across various devices and increasing awareness among the general public.

The Screen Time feature offers valuable insights into your daily screen usage, including the amount of time your screen has been active, the apps you frequently use, and how your usage patterns evolve over time. Additionally, it provides weekly reports that compare your phone usage to the previous week, allowing you to track your progress and make informed decisions about your digital habits.

This feature released by Apple is quite intriguing. Screen Time provides valuable insights into the extent of phone usage, potentially motivating individuals to reduce their reliance on Apple products. It is a bold move for the company to incorporate a feature that prompts users to rethink their phone usage habits. Notably, Screen Time continues to be available in both iOS and iPadOS.

App Limits, 2018

iOS 12 introduced a feature called "App Limits" as part of its Screen Time functionality. With App Limits, users have the ability to set constraints on the amount of time they spend on specific apps each day. This feature offers complete customization, allowing users to define limits for certain days as well. For example, you can easily reduce your Instagram usage during the work week while keeping Sundays free for unrestricted scrolling.

Similar to Screen Time, this feature release demonstrated Apple's commitment to promoting healthy device usage and encouraging users to take breaks from constant app engagement. App Limits continue to be accessible and utilized today.

Downtime, 2018

Introduced in 2018, Apple unveiled yet another digital wellness feature called "Downtime" for the iPhone and iPad. Downtime remains a powerful tool to promote healthy usage habits, despite its somewhat complex setup process.

Downtime acts as a barrier for specific apps during designated periods. For instance, if you prefer not to be tempted to check the work-related apps over the weekends, you can add them to Downtime. Once added, these apps become inaccessible, and their icons on the home screen appear faded, indicating that they are unavailable for use.

Focus Mode, 2021

Focus, introduced with iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, is a revamped version of the outdated "Do Not Disturb" feature by Apple. Unlike its predecessor, which was primarily useful only during bedtime, Focus allows users to create multiple modes for specific activities and situations. This new tool is incredibly handy and flexible, making your phone less intrusive. One of its standout features is the ability to create unique lock screens and home screens for each Focus mode, adding an extra level of personalization.

Focus modes are still a big part of iOS and iPad OS, and there’s more to it than you can imagine. It’s really worth checking out if you haven’t already.

Notification Summary, 2021

Notifications on an iPhone or iPad can often be a source of frustration. That's why iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 introduced a helpful feature called "Notification Summary." This feature allows you to have your notifications grouped together and delivered at specific times, rather than being bombarded with them as they arrive.

It offers a convenient solution for managing notifications without entirely deactivating them. You have the ability to customize the number of summaries you receive throughout the day and select which apps are included in these summaries. Importantly, it still allows "Time Sensitive" notifications to appear, ensuring that you won't miss any crucial information.

Screen Distance, 2023

When Apple introduced iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, they unveiled a new addition to their Digital Wellbeing-focused features called "Screen Distance." This feature is straightforward in its functionality as it measures the distance between the user's eyes and the screen of their iPhone or iPad.

If the device detects that the user is holding it too close, a notification screen pops up with the message, "iPhone is Too Close." Once the user adjusts the distance and moves it further away, they can dismiss the notification and resume using the device as usual.

Apple's recent announcement of a feature to prevent users from holding screens too close to their eyes may seem contradictory considering their introduction of a headset that places screens inches away from the eyes. This inconsistency in Apple's Digital Wellbeing mission is not an isolated incident but rather a recurring pattern over the past few years. While the Vision Pro offers unique features, it deviates from the wellness-focused messaging we have seen from Apple. On one hand, they encourage users to establish healthier habits, monitor screen time, and minimize distractions, but on the other hand, they promote a product like ski goggles that allow users to record their children playing. The mixed messages are quite perplexing.