In July, Apple will open test labs in six major cities worldwide to facilitate the development of apps for its upcoming mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro. The labs will be located in Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo. Developers will have the opportunity to test their applications on Vision Pro hardware and the visionOS software, gaining firsthand experience and optimizing their creations.
Apple aims to support development teams by providing access to Apple engineers who can offer guidance and assistance throughout the app creation process. Developers can also apply for developer kits, enabling them to build apps and conduct direct testing on the Vision Pro device.
To further enhance the development ecosystem, Apple is introducing the vision software development kit (SDK). This SDK will equip developers with new software tools and technologies, empowering them to design immersive app experiences across various categories, including productivity, design, gaming, and more.
The Vision Pro represents Apple’s most ambitious product since the Apple Watch, and it is set to launch next year with a starting price of $3,499. Apple has high expectations for the device, aiming to sell three million units in the first year. While industry experts anticipate initial sales to be lower due to the higher price point, Apple is focused on gradually introducing this futuristic technology to the mainstream market.
By leveraging familiar frameworks such as Xcode, SwiftUI, RealityKit, ARKit, and TestFlight, developers can build new experiences on Vision Pro using the foundational tools they are already accustomed to from other Apple platforms. Unity, a widely-used cross-platform game engine, will also support app porting to the Vision Pro, encouraging developers to create VR games specifically for the device.
Apple’s strategic vision for the Vision Pro extends beyond gaming, positioning it as a new type of computing device. By opening up opportunities for developers to create innovative experiences, Apple aims to expand the adoption of augmented and virtual reality technology while engaging a broader audience in the potential of this emerging field.
