Apple has announced that developers can now apply for a Vision Pro headset on the company’s website. The Vision Pro dev kit includes not only the headset itself but also assistance with device setup, code-level support requests, and regular check-ins with Apple experts to guide developers in designing and developing an app for visionOS.
Apple is specifically looking to prioritize applicants who are creating apps that take advantage of visionOS features and capabilities. This means that developers who are planning to offer unmodified iPad apps on the Vision Pro, like Netflix, may not be given priority.
To apply for the Vision Pro dev kit, developers must be an Account Holder in the Apple Developer Program. Once they have confirmed their membership, they can specify their team’s development skills and provide information about existing apps they have developed. It is important to note that Apple may request the return of the developer kits, similar to previous instances where specialized hardware was provided to developers ahead of major product launches.
In addition to the dev kit application process, Apple is also hosting Vision Pro developer labs in several locations worldwide, including Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo. Developers can apply to attend these labs on Apple’s website. Furthermore, Apple has released a compatibility checklist to help developers ensure that their apps are ready for visionOS.
Apple is aiming to make it easy for developers to bring their existing iOS and iPadOS apps to the Vision Pro headset. The company has implemented a system that automatically ports over apps without requiring developers to make any changes. However, developers are encouraged to refine their apps for visionOS or create new ones that fully utilize the capabilities of the headset.
The Apple Vision Pro headset is expected to launch in early next year and will start at $3,499 in the US. With the headset’s release on the horizon, Apple’s focus on developer support and app compatibility is crucial to ensuring a successful launch and the availability of a wide range of apps for users.
Update July 24th, 1:41 PM ET: Apple has made an additional note requesting the return of the dev kits. This process has been seen before with specialized hardware provided to developers, suggesting that Apple may recall all pre-production hardware once the Vision Pro headset is officially launched.
In summary, Apple’s announcement about the availability of the Vision Pro dev kit for developers signals the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for developers interested in creating apps for the upcoming Vision Pro headset. By offering assistance, resources, and developer labs, Apple is laying the foundation for a robust ecosystem of visionOS apps that will enhance the user experience of this highly anticipated AR headset.
