Apple Vision Pro: A New Era of Apps

Apple has been a trailblazer in the world of technology since its inception, always pushing the boundaries of innovation. With the launch of the highly anticipated Vision Pro headset, it's clear that Apple is once again making strides in a new direction: virtual reality (VR). With its own dedicated App Store, the Vision Pro is set to host a wide range of apps, offering users an immersive VR experience like never before. Let's take a closer look at the apps that will be compatible with the Apple Vision Pro headset.

VisionOS and App Compatibility

The Vision Pro is not just about hardware; it's also about a new software environment called visionOS. This platform will host a dedicated App Store where users can discover and download all the apps built specifically for the Vision Pro, as well as compatible iPad and iPhone apps.

Existing iOS developer frameworks have been extended into the visionOS environment to offer support for what Apple is calling "spatial computing." This means that hundreds of thousands of existing iPad and iOS apps will work on Vision Pro at launch, even though they won't necessarily have any 3D elements initially.

Apple promises that developers will be able to create 3D objects that "look and feel real" in their visionOS apps, which opens up a whole new world of possibilities for app development. A new app store will include custom Vision Pro apps as well as compatible iOS apps.

From Productivity to Entertainment

The Vision Pro is not just for entertainment; it's also designed to revolutionize productivity. Microsoft, one of the tech giants in the productivity space, is ready to bring its Word, Excel, and Microsoft Teams apps to Apple's new platform. Users will be able to control the user interface with their eyes, truly making the VR experience hands-free.

Furthermore, Microsoft Teams will support 3D personas, digital representations of users created using machine learning techniques. Other video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Webex will also support these 3D personas on the Vision Pro headset, adding an extra layer of realism to virtual meetings.

 

Gaming and Creativity

The gaming potential of the Vision Pro is also significant, with Unity apps set to run natively on the headset. This means that we can expect to see a plethora of games on Apple's new AR headset once it's available. Adobe is also bringing Lightroom to the Vision Pro, allowing users to control the photo editing app with just their eyes and hands. It also looks like Apple's Final Cut Pro will be supported.

Moreover, over 100 Apple Arcade titles will be available to play via a floating screen and a handheld controller on the device at launch. Developers will be able to use ARKit and the new "Reality Composer Pro" to specifically design 3D content to work within the headset, further enhancing the gaming experience.

Customized Experiences

Apple is also working closely with partners to offer customized experiences for Vision Pro users. For instance, Disney CEO Bob Iger demonstrated a number of customized Vision Pro experiences, from Disney+ support to ESPN sports broadcasts with a wide array of stats filling your room to a virtual Mickey Mouse that walks around your space. Disney+ support will be available on day one.

Conclusion

The Vision Pro is not just a headset; it's a new platform that could redefine how we interact with technology. With the wide range of apps that will be compatible with the Vision Pro, users will be able to work, play, learn, and create in new and exciting ways. From productivity apps like Word and Excel, to gaming apps fromApple Arcade, to entertainment offerings from Disney+, the Vision Pro promises to deliver a rich and diverse VR experience.

While the initial launch will see hundreds of thousands of iOS and iPadOS apps available, these will likely evolve and become more immersive as developers begin to fully utilize the capabilities of visionOS, Apple's spatial computing platform. The fact that developers can design 3D content specifically for the headset using tools like ARKit and Reality Composer Pro is exciting, as it suggests that the VR experience will only become richer and more immersive over time.

With the Vision Pro set to become available from early 2024, it will be fascinating to see how this new platform grows and changes the way we interact with technology. Whether you're a developer looking to create the next big app for visionOS or a tech enthusiast excited to experience VR in a whole new way, the Vision Pro promises to open up a world of possibilities.