There certainly will not be a dearth of apps for the Vision Pro when it launches — Apple said Tuesday that every compatible iOS and iPadOS application will be automatically listed in an upcoming App Store for the AR headset.
That means there’ll be “hundreds of thousands” of apps for Vision Pro at its debut early next year, according to Apple.
So many apps for Apple Vision Pro
The Vision Pro stole the spotlight during Apple’s developer conference in June. The headset is Apple’s first foray into what the company calls “spatial computing.” It focuses on augmented reality, which overlays computer-generated content onto the real world.
Apple gave developers tools to write applications for visionOS in June, but buyers of the headset won’t need to depend on specially made apps. The company previously said most iPad and iPhone apps will run on visionOS without modification. But a note to third-party developers published Tuesday revealed that “your iPad and/or iPhone apps will be published automatically on the App Store on Apple Vision Pro.”
Apple clearly doesn’t see this as stuffing the App Store with software that might or might not be appropriate for the device. Quite the opposite. As the company’s new note said, “Users can access their favorite iPad and iPhone apps side by side with new visionOS apps on the infinite canvas of Apple Vision Pro, enabling them to be more connected, productive, and entertained than ever before.”
There are exceptions, though. Apps that require capabilities not available from the AR/VR headset won’t be listed in its App Store. That includes camera apps, ones that offer turn-by-turn directions, and other types.
Photo: Apple
Apple warns developers to be ready for Vision Pro
Apple says devs will have the option to not have their applications put on the Vision Pro’s App Store. A simple checkbox in App Store Connect says, “Make this app available on Apple Vision Pro.” It’s on by default, but devs can uncheck it.
Developers of third-party applications might choose to pass on the option unless they’ve thoroughly tested their software on the headset. Apple’s assurance that an app will run on the device doesn’t guarantee it’ll run well. Developers potentially could face angry customers if an application doesn’t perform correctly in spatial computing.
