How to avoid getting motion sickness from Apple Vision Pro

Apple Vision Pro in an Apple Store

Ahead of its launch, experts predicted that the Apple Vision Pro would be able to minimize the chances of motion sickness through its sheer performance. Apple had said the headset’s response time is just 12 milliseconds, and that this provides a more naturalistic, realistic view of the world — which should cut down motion sickness.

Now that the headset is finally available, Apple has updated its support documentation with details of how to avoid motion sickness while wearing the Apple Vision Pro. And it includes one simple technique — look for the icon.

Apps that have a high degree of motion will include this warning icon in the App Store

“Apps and Apple Immersive Media that feature larger amounts of motion may have the app motion information label,” it says. “If you’re getting used to Vision Pro or are susceptible to motion sickness symptoms, start with apps and media that don’t have that label.”

Apple does also caution users that “Spatial Video captured by customers might also include high motion experiences that could cause motion sickness for certain people.”

There is also an option in the Apple Vision Pro to reduce the risk of motion sickness. Go to Settings, Accessibility, Motion, and then choose Reduce Motion.

The support documentation goes into more detail of specific ways to minimize motion sickness, but the headline advice is:

1. Don’t spread Apple Vision Pro windows too far around your room so that you have to keep turning your head
2. Decrease the size of app windows
3. Turn the Digital Crown so you see more of the real space around you
4. Avoid apps that require you to turn your head and neck frequently

Apple also says that after using the headset, “make sure that you feel re-oriented to your environment before engaging in activities that require balance, coordination, or spatial awareness.”

Also, “don’t drive until you’re fully recovered from motion sickness or motion sickness symptoms.”

Apple is showing caution here and it is not the case that Apple Vision Pro is likely to cause motion sickness in most users. Nonetheless, users who are prone to it have even more reason to try an in-store demo before buying.