Russian buyers of the new Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset may run into several hurdles during activation and ongoing use. Reports from industry observers that reference Kommersant FM highlight how this process can be more fragile than expected for people outside the United States. Activation often hinges on having a US Apple ID, which many Russian users do not possess by default. Without a US account, downloading apps from the App Store becomes impossible, limiting the device’s full potential from the start. Creating a new US Apple ID is not a difficult task, yet it introduces a trade off: once the region is changed, access to apps tied to the original Apple ID can be interrupted, and some user purchases or subscriptions may no longer be available. This creates a practical barrier for those hoping to use Vision Pro as a complete, multinational tool. The tension between regional access and content availability is at the heart of the activation challenge and is a recurring theme for new adopters who must navigate the ecosystem’s regional constraints.
There is also a separate set of complications around the service ecosystem for Vision Pro in Russia. Users report that the range of official support options extends beyond basic repairs and includes a stricter pathway for device management and troubleshooting. If a password is forgotten or lost for unlocking the VisionOS desktop, the user experience can become highly constrained. In such cases, the ability to manage or recover the device often falls back to authorized Apple Stores or official service centers, which can slow down resolution and increase downtime for the device. This reality underscores how the existing support infrastructure can shape user confidence and long-term satisfaction with a premium wearable.
Nevertheless, Apple is actively updating the operating system to expand user options for these tasks. The company has signaled a clear intention to broaden self-service capabilities and improve secure access for owners in challenging markets, a move that could reduce friction for activation and maintenance over time. The broader context is that software updates tend to bring not only new features but also changes to account management and regional accessibility, which users should monitor closely. In related regulatory discussions, American officials have expressed concerns about the Vision Pro’s use in automotive settings, emphasizing safety and compatibility concerns. This stance highlights the evolving conversation around how autonomous and augmented reality devices intersect with everyday use in vehicles, and it points to ongoing policy considerations that may influence future deployments and guidelines for drivers and passengers alike.