Apple has announced the availability of new developer tools and technologies that allow developers to create amazing app experiences for Apple Vision Pro, the company’s first spatial computer. With the introduction of visionOS, the world’s first spatial operating system, Vision Pro users can interact with digital content within their physical space using natural inputs such as their eyes, hands, and voice. This opens up endless possibilities for creating immersive and intuitive app experiences.
Developers now have the opportunity to create a completely new category of spatial computing apps that seamlessly blend digital content with the physical world. The visionOS software development kit (SDK) provides developers with the tools and capabilities to design innovative app experiences in various categories including productivity, design, gaming, and more.
To support developers in their app development journey, Apple will be opening developer labs in several global locations including Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo. These labs will provide developers with hands-on experience in testing their apps on Apple Vision Pro hardware and getting support from Apple engineers. Additionally, development teams can apply for developer kits to aid them in building, iterating, and testing their apps directly on Apple Vision Pro.
Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations, expressed enthusiasm for the platform, stating, “Apple Vision Pro redefines what’s possible on a computing platform. Developers can get started building visionOS apps using the powerful frameworks they already know, and take their development even further with new innovative tools and technologies like Reality Composer Pro, to design all-new experiences for their users. By taking advantage of the space around the user, spatial computing unlocks new opportunities for our developers, and enables them to imagine new ways to help their users connect, be productive, and enjoy new types of entertainment. We can’t wait to see what our developer community dreams up.”
Developers can leverage the foundational frameworks they are already familiar with from other Apple platforms, including Xcode, SwiftUI, RealityKit, ARKit, and TestFlight, to build new experiences on Apple Vision Pro. These tools allow developers to create immersive app experiences spanning various levels of immersion, including windows, volumes, and spaces that feature 3D content. To optimize 3D content for visionOS apps, developers can use the newly introduced tool called Reality Composer Pro, available with Xcode. This tool enables previewing and preparing 3D models, animations, images, and sounds to ensure they look stunning on Vision Pro. There is also an interactive visionOS simulator available for developers to explore and test various room layouts and lighting conditions.
Furthermore, Apple’s commitment to accessibility is evident in the built-in support for its innovative accessibility features within every developer framework. This ensures that spatial computing and visionOS apps are accessible to everyone.
Unity developers who have been building 3D apps and games can also port their Unity apps to Apple Vision Pro and leverage its powerful capabilities.
Some developers who have already previewed the visionOS SDK and APIs have shared their excitement for the platform and its potential:
Jan Herzhoff, Elsevier Health’s president, explained how their app, Complete HeartX, will transform medical education by utilizing hyper-realistic 3D models and animations to enhance understanding and visualization of medical issues for medical students.
According to Karim Morsy, Algoriddim’s CEO, the djay app on Apple Vision Pro offers users a fully featured DJ system at their fingertips, allowing them to mix music and apply real-time effects using natural inputs like their eyes and hands. The reimagined spatial interface provides stunning environments that react to the user’s mix, enabling a unique and immersive music experience.
Zac Duff, JigSpace’s co-founder, and CEO, emphasized how JigSpace, in combination with Apple Vision Pro, revolutionizes communication by allowing people and businesses to easily convey ideas or products in entirely new ways. By utilizing high-resolution CAD files, teams can collaborate effectively from anywhere in the world, reducing time and facilitating faster decision-making.
Stephen Prideaux-Ghee, PTC’s chief technology officer of AR/VR, highlighted how manufacturers can use AR solutions from PTC to collaborate on critical business problems by bringing interactive 3D content into the real world. With Apple Vision Pro, stakeholders across departments and locations can review content simultaneously, enhancing collaboration and decision-making processes.
The visionOS SDK, updated Xcode, Simulator, and Reality Composer Pro are now available for Apple Developer Program members. Registered Apple developers have access to extensive technical documentation, new design kits, and updated human interface guidelines for visionOS to support them in designing, developing, and testing apps for Apple Vision Pro.
Developers can find more information about designing new app experiences for Apple Vision Pro and apply for a developer kit on the Apple Developer website.
Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984 and continues to lead the world in innovation with products like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Their software platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices. With breakthrough services such as the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud, Apple aims to make the best products on earth while also leaving the world a better place.
For more information, developers and members of the media can contact Apple’s press team via the provided contact details.
Overall, the availability of developer tools for Apple Vision Pro signifies an exciting new chapter for app development, bringing spatial computing and intuitive interactions to create immersive experiences that seamlessly integrate digital content with the physical world.