In 2024, Apple demonstrated remarkable innovation with significant updates to the iPad, Mac lines, iPhone 16, and Apple Watch Series 10.
However, none of these devices have matched the potential impact of the Apple Vision Pro. That’s why we proudly name the Apple Vision Pro as the DMN Product of the Year for 2024.
Chance Miller, DMN Editor-in-chief
Choosing the Apple Vision Pro as our top Apple product this year might spark debate, but I firmly believe it’s the right decision.
I’ve rarely experienced technology that feels as enchanting as using the Apple Vision Pro. The memory of viewing my first spatial video is unforgettable. Watching my all-time favorite movie, Back to the Future, in the immersive Cinema Environment was absolutely breathtaking. In fact, I’ve seen more films this year than any other, all thanks to this remarkable device.
Apple’s human interface design with the Vision Pro has already set trends for its main competitor. Meta immediately began emulating Apple’s groundbreaking approach to spatial computing as soon as the Vision Pro was unveiled, launching enhanced hand tracking, gestures, and spatial video support. The influence of the Apple Vision Pro is undeniable.
Additionally, Mac Virtual Display transforms the Vision Pro into a multifaceted computing powerhouse. The first iteration of Mac Virtual impressed users, but visionOS 2.2 has taken it further with new wide and ultrawide options and enhanced visual and audio experiences.
For Apple Vision Pro (or whatever “Vision” product follows) to genuinely become the future of computing, Apple has more work ahead. However, I see a positive response to feedback, indicating a commitment to refining the spatial computing experience in the years ahead. We’ve also observed a significant increase in immersive video and an expanding portfolio of third-party applications.
My top honorable mentions are the M4 Mac mini and M4 iPad Pro. Although these upgrades are impressive, I don’t think they can compete with the Apple Vision Pro. I eagerly anticipate the discussions from those who disagree.
Zac Hall, Senior Summer Intern
The Apple Vision Pro is unquestionably the standout Apple product of the year. It wasn’t available for purchase last year and it won’t feel novel in the next. This year’s lineup primarily sees iterative updates, while the Vision Pro is genuinely groundbreaking for Apple.
Yes, it comes with a hefty price tag, but the value it offers far surpasses that of any budget headsets on the market. To put it simply, the Vision Pro is the Mac of AR/VR devices, whereas all other headsets are like the Nintendo Wii—better for casual gaming but not suited for serious work.
The Apple Vision Pro also sets a higher bar than the original iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Each of those devices saw rapid successors that rendered the original models outdated. While the same might occur with the Vision Pro, I believe the first-generation model will be viewed as advanced and forward-thinking by the latter part of 2025 and into 2026.
That said, it is not the tech of the year. The combined impact of ChatGPT and Claude deserves that title. However, within the scope of Apple’s contributions to tech, I am confident 2024 will be regarded as the year the Apple Vision Pro came to life. Regarding Apple Intelligence, the suite of generative AI features will need a dedicated chatbot before it can be considered on par with ChatGPT and Claude.
Honorable mentions include the cancellation of Project Titan (goodbye, Apple Car), the upgrade to 16GB RAM for M2 and M3 MacBook Air, and the discontinuation of FineWoven iPhone cases.
Ryan Christoffel, News Writer
No doubt, several of Apple’s 2024 releases have garnered more traditional success metrics. Still, the Vision Pro breaks the mold.
Vision Pro introduced a product that gives a unique Apple twist to an existing category. It is technically classified as a VR headset, yet it functions as both an AR and VR device. Apple refers to it as a spatial computer.
While it may take time to determine if spatial computing will become mainstream, Vision Pro undeniably presents a daring, innovative vision for the future.
The Product of the Year title rightfully belongs to Vision Pro for its distinct offering within Apple’s 2024 array.
This year, my most-used device was the M4 iPad Pro, packed with impressive upgrades, though it fundamentally remains an iPad. The iPhone 16 Pro and M4 Mac mini also stand out, but they do not introduce anything entirely new.
Nowadays, there is an expectation for every new Apple product to succeed. The Vision Pro isn’t a guaranteed hit yet. However, Tim Cook’s description as an “early adopter product” resonates with me.
I am eager to observe Apple’s future development for the Vision Pro.
Jeff Benjamin, Head of Video Content Production
Several tech experiences remain etched in my memory: jumping over a Goomba with an NES controller, clicking a mouse on the original Macintosh, swiping on the 3.5-inch display of an iPhone, and stomping on the accelerator in a Tesla. These moments are exceedingly rare, but they create an unmistakable feeling.
The Apple Vision Pro rekindled that sensation—a feeling I have experienced only a few times in my life.
Initially, I was inclined to declare the M4 Mac mini as the top product due to its unbeatable value. However, the Apple Vision Pro merits recognition for feeling like a glimpse into the future. This isn’t merely a device with an attractive design; it represents an entirely new product with extraordinary UX and UI elements that continue to amaze me even a year post-launch.
Hands down, the Vision Pro offers the best movie-watching experience I have ever had, surpassing anything a movie theater can provide. While it is an isolating, single-user device, it’s debatable whether smartphones aren’t equally isolating—at least mentally—creating a false sense of presence when our thoughts may be miles away.
With the Apple Vision Pro, there’s no pretense. You’re transported to a new realm or even a different world—yes, I enjoy using visionOS 2’s Mac Virtual Display Ultrawide to edit videos in Final Cut Pro from the surface of the moon. Judge if you must.
While it’s not flawless, few first-generation devices are. Apple has established an incredible foundation with the Vision Pro and visionOS, and I am genuinely excited to see the direction this journey will take us.
Filipe Esposito, Editor
Though the Vision Pro has not fully met Apple’s high expectations, its recognition is unmistakable. Even if you have no intention of owning one, you likely have heard significant buzz surrounding it. While the first generation of the Apple Vision Pro might fade into memory, I’m confident that the Vision platform will evolve into more compact headsets and potentially sleek glasses.
Currently, only a few hundred thousand people globally have access to the headset, yet the Apple Vision Pro has stirred the AR/VR landscape already. I eagerly await what lies ahead.
Fernando Silva, Video Producer
The Apple Vision Pro has undeniably earned its title as Apple’s Product of the Year for a singular reason: it’s the first product since the original iPhone to leave me utterly astonished. From the moment I experienced it, the device felt like pure magic. The ability to manipulate UI elements effortlessly with just your eyes is revolutionary, while the precise finger-tap detection feels almost impossible. It’s akin to stepping into an Iron Man helmet, where the technology feels both futuristic and innately human.
The Mac Mini and M4 iPad Pro were also worthy contenders for this distinction. Both devices are remarkable, exemplifying Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation and performance. Nevertheless, while I admired these products, it was the Vision Pro that truly captivated me.
What sets the Vision Pro apart is its versatility. Whether engaging in productivity tasks seamlessly intertwined with your Apple ecosystem or immersing yourself in content on the go, it handles both with unparalleled poise. As a device for consuming content, it offers cinema-like experiences directly before your eyes, wherever you may be. This is not just a gadget; it’s a vision of the future of computing and entertainment, redefining possibilities. That’s why I believe it’s not only the best Apple product of the year, but a representation of a future I want to embrace.
Ben Lovejoy, European Editor
The Vision Pro may be a controversial selection, with the redesigned M4 Mac mini seemingly a safer bet. Apple’s spatial computer carries a steep price tag and currently boasts few native applications, and I count myself among many Apple fans who found it enjoyable to try but not compelling enough to purchase.
Even those who made the investment generally utilize it primarily for immersive movie watching, which can be done more comfortably and affordably with a $440 monitor.
However, the true significance of Vision Pro lies in its potential rather than its current form. This marks the iPhone maker’s initial step toward ultimately developing Apple Glasses. When that day arrives, it will likely be not just the Apple Product of the Year but potentially the Product of the Decade. There are reports that Apple believes this could even replace the iPhone.
While I have my doubts, the advent of Apple Intelligence makes that vision significantly more likely. Perhaps I’ll see myself reaching for my Apple Glasses when I want to quickly access an app, similar to how I grab my Viture glasses to watch YouTube.
In any case, I’m genuinely excited about the future of this product category, and I fully expect Apple will execute it better than anyone else. However, this journey requires Apple’s commitment today, which is why Vision Pro deserves its title, despite its current niche appeal.
Michael Bower, Graphics Editor
Many believe the Apple Vision Pro constitutes the “future of computing.” While I’m uncertain about that claim, I do hope to see it become available for Veterans and Military personnel in the near future, ideally within my lifetime.
Benjamin Mayo, European Contributor
While some see it as a dead end, the Vision Pro is charting a path for Apple’s future. People who anticipated immediate cultural impact from this device had unrealistic expectations.
At a staggering $3,500 price point, marked by compromises in weight and battery life, the ideal hardware is still under development. Yet, this first-generation device establishes the groundwork for a new line of products that will likely become successful in due course, eventually paving the way for augmented reality glasses.
With the Vision Pro, Apple aspired to create “a tool, not a toy” (in the words of Apple VP Mike Rockwell). They have made remarkable progress towards that goal on this first attempt. We’ve already seen competitors substantially enhance their software to mimic what Apple has excelled at regarding productivity and window management in augmented reality.
Michael Burkhardt, Weekend Editor
The Apple Vision Pro stands out as a clear candidate for Product of the Year. While the hardware may not represent the ultimate potential of spatial computing, the software undoubtedly does. visionOS has profoundly impacted the mixed-reality sector, prompting Meta to rethink its strategies. Apple’s thoughtful design choices in software, including features like Mac Virtual Display (which got even better this year with wide and ultrawide support!), are simply the icing on the cake.
I’m optimistic about this product category’s future. It needs to become smaller, lighter, and undoubtedly more affordable before reaching widespread acceptance, but Apple has established a robust foundation with visionOS. Meanwhile, you can begin capturing spatial photos and videos using your iPhone 15 Pro (or later) for future Vision headsets.
No other product on the market rivals the Vision Pro, which is why it rightfully claims the title of Product of the Year. While many might champion the Mac mini instead, it represents more of a great value than a groundbreaking product. If the redesign were released separately from the enhancement to 16GB of RAM, I doubt it would receive the same level of attention. The Vision Pro is the first truly new Apple product since the HomePod in 2018 — and Apple did an exceptional job with it.
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