When it comes to new technology, there is bound to be some pain as companies continue to make improvements. But the Apple Vision Pro headset, as early adopters are discovering, takes it a little too literally.

Apple made a big splash earlier this year with a very expensive AR/VR headset, and despite its unbeatable $3,500 price tag, the wearable is a great choice for its exceptional spatial computing capabilities, stunning hand tracking and eye tracking, intuitive visionOS interface, and an immersive entertainment experience that impressed reviewers. However, over time, the seams are beginning to show.

Between the weight of the headset itself (about 650 grams, roughly the same weight as a 12.9-inch iPad Pro), the front-loaded design, and a less-than-ideal fit for many, the Vision Pro is giving some users a literal black eye, A new report from MarketWatch says.

"The first few weeks I couldn't use it much because of the poor fit," Emily Olman, chief media officer at Hopscotch Interactive, told the magazine. She added that after wearing the Apple Vision Pro, she had "super dark eyes."

Other early adopters concurred with her complaints about the headset's poor fit. Ian Beacraft, CEO of consulting firm Signal and Cipter, told MarketWatch that he felt pain at the base of his skull and upper back after using the Vision Pro for just two hours. Users also reported headaches, and in one case, a blood vessel in one eye burst, possibly due to headset use.

Mark Spoonauer, global EIC for Tom's Guide, said that in hands-on testing, the Vision Pro was too heavy to wear for more than an hour or two. In fact, he wrote in his one-month Vision Pro retrospective, "After a short time with the Vision Pro, my neck aches and I feel pressure around my eyes."

Nevertheless, some early adopters have had more luck than others with the fit of the Vision Pro.

"I was able to wear the 1.3-pound Vision Pro for four or five hours before my neck needed a break, but I had to adjust the fit frequently," after wearing the headset regularly for two weeks, Washington Post technology reporter Chris Velazco wrote.

For what it's worth, Apple recommends taking regular breaks while using the Vision Pro and removing the headset every 20 to 30 minutes. The company also warns users to stop using the device if they feel unwell and urges them to: "If symptoms persist, consult a medical professional. Nevertheless, some early adopters have already made it clear that they don't have much faith in Apple's advice, as an example of inappropriate use of the Apple Vision Pro to drive a Tesla while wearing it made headlines in February.

Hopefully, Apple can eliminate some of the headset's pain points before the Vision Pro 2 arrives, which is expected in 2025 or 2026. In the meantime, there are rumors that Apple is preparing a less expensive entry-level Vision Pro.