Apple Vision Pro users will have to visit stores if they forget their passcodes

Imagine having to ship back a $3,499 gadget just because you forgot the passcode you set to use it. Well, that’s exactly what customers who bought the Apple Vision Pro might have to do if they can’t remember their device’s passcode.

As per Bloomberg, the company’s been advising customers that the only way to reset their codes is by heading to an Apple Store or sending their mixed reality headset to AppleCare customer support. From there, Apple will reset their codes so they can start using their device again.

According to Bloomberg, if you punch in the wrong code too many times, your device gets disabled and you’ve got to wait it out before you can try again. If you still can’t remember your code after that waiting period, you’ll need Apple to reset it for you. But be warned: that’ll wipe out all the content on your headset.

It’s important to mention that some folks on the Apple discussion forum still found themselves locked out even though they punched in the right passcode. It’s not clear if it’s a bug that’s hitting certain units, but it’s a reminder that this issue could crop up for anyone.

According to other posts, Apple’s Genius Bar staff use an accessory called the Developer Strap, which the company sells to developers for $299, to link the headset to iPads or laptops for resetting. In one case, Apple Geniuses apparently couldn’t reset the user’s headset and ended up having to replace it entirely.

The method for changing the passcode on the headset might still get a makeover down the line — after all, the Vision Pro is the first model in a completely new product line. For the folks who’ve already bought one, fingers crossed they introduce it via a software update instead of making it a feature in the next version.

Word on the street is that Apple’s looking to acquire Brighter AI, a German AI startup that’s all about making face and license plate data anonymous. Rumor has it that Apple’s eyeing this move to beef up the privacy features on Apple Vision Pro. They might just be eyeing Brighter AI’s tech to make sure their fancy vision system doesn’t accidentally catch any personal info when you’re snapping pics or shooting videos out in public.