Apple‘s long-awaited Vision Pro headset aims to revolutionize work and play with an immersive augmented reality experience, but early adopters face a major headache – there’s no way to track the $3,499 headset if lost.

In a blow to customers who have pre-ordered or purchased Apple’s first crack at an AR/VR headset, Apple has confirmed the Vision Pro does not support location tracking through its ‘Find My’ app. So if the cutting-edge headset gets lost or stolen, it can essentially disappear without a trace.

While Find My enables iPhone and AirPods owners to pinpoint devices on a map, play sounds to locate them, and remotely lock or erase data in a worst-case scenario, Vision Pro buyers will have zero recourse if separated from the shiny new headset.

An Apple support document states bluntly that location tracking features in Find My are unavailable on the Vision Pro. The only protection included is ‘Activation Lock’, which requires the owner’s Apple ID password before resetting – hardly a consolation prize considering the four-figure price tag.

For a gadget designed to leave the house and enable next-generation experiences on the move, it’s a major security and usability shortcoming. The lack of location tracking leaves the Vision Pro more vulnerable when using augmented reality on a plane journey or in a foreign city.

And with no optional AppleCare+ theft and loss insurance available currently, a lost unit really could mean kissing the $3,500 purchase goodbye for good.

Why Vision Pro lacks Find My tracking

It’s unclear why Apple excluded location tracking capabilities. With no internal battery or GPS chip, there are likely technical limitations. But for a flagship product in 2024 boasting advanced reality features, buyers expect strong integration with the Apple ecosystem and platform.

Without location tracking, misplacing this expensive and data-sensitive AR headset becomes a far greater risk, especially for early adopters investing in cutting-edge technology.

Workarounds exist…but not ideal

Savvy owners can utilize AirTags – Apple’s tracking tiles – to monitor the Vision Pro’s location by placing one in the official travel case or attaching it separately. It’s hardly convenient, but does provide location updates in the Find My ecosystem.

Beyond that, Vision Pro buyers need to meticulously enable Activation Lock and hope they don’t suffer that sinking feeling of realizing the headset is lost for good. For $3,500, customers expect better. Apple still has work to do if its vision for mass AR adoption is to materialize.