Tesla driver goes viral wearing Apple Vision Pro behind the wheel

A Tesla driver's video of himself wearing Apple Vision Pro goggles without his hands on the steering wheel of the vehicle has gone viral on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Dante Lentini shared the video on Friday, Feb. 2. By Monday morning, the video had over 24 million views on the platform.

Lentini appearred to be typing and scrolling across the spatial computing screen of Apple's newest product in a portion of the video, filmed by a passenger as they drive down a highway in Connecticut. It ended with showing Lentiti in a parking lot with a police vehicle behind him.

Several people on the platform accused Lentini of putting other drivers on the road in danger. Here's what to know about Austin-based Tesla's self-driving feature and what Apple says to avoid doing when using the item.

Was Apple Vision Pro Tesla driver arrested?

Gizmodo reported that Lentini posted on X that he was arrested, but he also posted a video of himself exiting a porta-potty and driving away in a white Tesla with the goggles on the next day. But that post was removed.

Instead, Storyful Video, a media company that licenses video, reports that Lentini told them he was not actually pulled over by the police as the footage suggested. The Austin American-Statesman, part of the USA TODAY Network, is a client of the company.

Lentini said he only wore his headset for five to 10-second increments and “for no more than 30 to 40 seconds while driving.”

"(I) just did it for the video, (I) also had it on transparency mode so it just showed the road in front of me,” Lentini said.

Does Tesla Autopilot allow for self-driving cars?

Tesla vehicles are equipped with Autopilot, a drive assistance program the company says that when used properly "reduces your overall workload as a driver." The technology uses cameras rather than a radar system.

There are three different versions of the program, with one coming pre-installed and the others available for purchase for those looking to upgrade. Tesla notes that each of the features still requires an attentive driver.

"Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability are intended for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment," Tesla says. "While these features are designed to become more capable over time, the currently enabled features do not make the vehicle autonomous."

Autopilot comes with traffic-aware cruise control and auto-steering in marked lanes. The "enhanced" version includes additional features like auto-parking and "Smart Summon." And despite the name, the Full Self-Driving features still require an active driver.

"Full Self-Driving features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous," Tesla says. "Full autonomy will be dependent on achieving reliability far in excess of human drivers as demonstrated by billions of miles of experience, as well as regulatory approval, which may take longer in some jurisdictions."

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You shouldn't wear Apple Vision Pro while driving (or with glasses)

Apple is clear in their guide for their spatial computing product: don't drive while wearing it. This includes operating a moving vehicle, a bicycle, heavy machinery or in "situations requiring attention to safety."

The company notes if you're wearing the goggles, you should do so in a space that is clear of obstacles, like stairs, mirrors, and windows. Apple says the product is not immune to excessive heat and isn't water resistant, so wearing them in a hot tub is probably not a good idea.

Apple also notes that the Vision Pro can only detect objects at eye level, so the best environment for use is in a well-lit area free of moving objects (like cars on a highway).

Apple also says you can't wear the Vision Pro with eyeglasses, saying those with prescriptions can order ZEISS Optical Inserts for the goggles. Those who use reader eyeglasses or contact lenses can order a version of the inserts, too.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Wearing Apple Vision Pro, Tesla driver seen in self-driving video