Apple has announced that its upcoming mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, will have a huge library of apps available at launch, thanks to the automatic porting of iOS and iPadOS apps to the visionOS App Store. This means that users will be able to enjoy their favorite apps on the new device without waiting for developers to update them.
Vision Pro: A Breakthrough in Mixed Reality
The Vision Pro is Apple’s first venture into the realm of mixed reality, which combines virtual and augmented reality to create immersive experiences. The headset, which is expected to launch in early 2024, will feature a sleek design, high-resolution displays, advanced sensors, and spatial audio. The device will also support hand and eye tracking, as well as voice and gesture controls.
The Vision Pro will run on visionOS, a new operating system that is based on iOS and iPadOS, but optimized for mixed reality. Apple claims that the Vision Pro will offer photorealistic graphics and seamless interactions with the real world, making it a revolutionary product for entertainment, education, productivity, and more.
iOS Apps on the Vision Pro Store
One of the challenges of launching a new device is ensuring that it has enough content to attract and retain users. Apple has solved this problem by announcing that nearly every iOS app in existence will be simultaneously published to the Vision Pro store by default. This means that users will have access to hundreds of thousands of iPad and iPhone apps that run great on visionOS, in addition to Vision Pro-exclusive apps that take advantage of the device’s unique features.
Apple says that most apps will be able to function without having to be modified, as most frameworks available in iOS and iPadOS are also included in visionOS. However, developers can still optimize their apps if they want to, or opt out of publishing them to the Vision Pro store if they don’t think they are suitable for the device. Apple also offers visionOS SDK, where developers can integrate Vision Pro-specific functions, such as 3D content, into their apps.
Users will get their first official look at the Vision Pro store when a beta version launches later this fall. The store will feature categories, ratings, reviews, and recommendations, similar to the iOS and iPadOS App Store. Users will also be able to browse and download apps directly from the headset or from their iPhone or iPad.
A Promising Future for the Vision Pro
The announcement of the automatic porting of iOS apps to the Vision Pro store is a smart move by Apple, as it ensures that the device will have a rich and diverse selection of apps at launch. This will make the transition to the new hardware relatively seamless for users who are already familiar with iOS and iPadOS apps. It will also encourage developers to create new and innovative apps for the Vision Pro, as they will have a large and ready audience.
The Vision Pro is set to be a niche product for at least the first generation, due to its high price tag ($3,499 USD) and limited use case scenarios. However, with the instant accessibility of apps, as well as the potential for new and exciting experiences in mixed reality, the device could become a game-changer in the tech industry. As we wait for the headset to make its debut, we are taking updates like these as a good sign that Apple is investing a considerable amount of time and energy into the new product.
