How the new Apple Vision Pro revolutionizes the future of app development

Apple has once again transformed the technology landscape with the launch of the mixed reality headset Apple Vision Pro. It's not the first headset on the market to utilize augmented and virtual reality (VR/AR), but what sets Apple Vision Pro apart from previous headsets like Oculus Rift and Quest is how Apple has managed to seamlessly integrate digital life with the real world in an interactive manner that will change how we use technology. Whether it's for gaming and entertainment or education and productivity, Apple Vision Pro is set to revolutionize how we engage with technology. Notably, Apple Vision Pro will completely reshape how we can create innovative new apps. Let's take a closer look at the headset's new capabilities and how it impacts app development
‍

What sets Apple Vision Pro apart from other VR/AR headsets?

What sets Apple Vision Pro apart from other VR/AR headsets? At first glance, Apple Vision Pro resembles a stylish pair of ski goggles. But as always, it's what's on the inside that counts. Concealed within the goggles lies brand-new technology and features that offer users unprecedented possibilities. Inside the headset are TrueDepth cameras for spatial tracking, MicroOLED displays with 23 million pixels (3,386ppi), iris and lidar scanners, motion sensors, and other advanced technologies. This allows you, as the user, to control the headset with your gaze, voice, and hands. The cameras enable you to see everything happening around you, and it's possible to overlay digital graphics onto what you see (AR), or alternatively, let the digital completely take over (VR). This makes Apple Vision Pro a mixed reality (MR) tool. While VR is an exciting tool for gaming, for example, AR blends digital objects with reality. For instance, you can view digital art on a real wall or directly translate physical texts like menus and signs when traveling abroad. This is where the great opportunities lie.
‍

Apple refers to this as the beginning of "spatial computing," which means you, as the user, can use your apps in the space around you, not just on your computer or smartphone. The goal is for the headset to function as a complete unit alongside Apple's ecosystem of devices. For example, you can work on your laptop and then open the same Excel document on Vision Pro to finish it on the bus ride home. If you prefer to leave work at work, you can instead sit on the bus and watch a movie in what closely resembles an IMAX experience. What sets Apple Vision Pro apart from previous headsets is precisely this ability to seamlessly blend digital content with the real world. Whether it's gaming, education, or professional applications, you, as the user, can work at a level of immersion that was previously unimaginable. You use the apps in a hypersensory environment with haptic feedback, tactile sensations, and enormous audio-visual capacity. This blurs the boundary between the digital and reality, opening up entirely new doors for app development.

‍

What can you actually do with Apple Vision Pro?

Being completely immersed in the latest episode of your favorite TV series, using Slack with just your gaze, or sprucing up the dull office wall with some virtual Van Gogh paintings sounds cool, doesn't it? But beyond the initial 'look at what can be done' effect, what are the practical use cases for Vision Pro?

‍

In addition to the over one million existing apps already compatible with Vision Pro, Apple has also released 600 new apps specifically built for the headset alongside its launch. Among them, we find sports apps from NBA and Red Bull, streaming live broadcasts where users sit in the front row, have access to 3D maps, real-time statistics, and much more. With the HBO Max app, you can immerse yourself in watching Game of Thrones as if you were seated in the throne room of The Red Keep. There are also numerous productivity apps available. The MindNode app enhances users' brainstorming with virtual thought bubbles floating around the room. OmniFocus and OmniPlan visualize large and comprehensive project plans in large floating windows. JigSpace combines 3D content, audio, video, and text in interactive spatial presentations. Navi can translate conversations in real-time, including live captions showing what people around the user are saying. You can even visit the Natural History Museum in London and be guided through its unique collections by none other than Sir David Attenborough.

So there are immense possibilities with Apple Vision Pro. The potential is vast for stepping into movies, sporting events, and games, or using the blend of digital and reality to enhance education, work, and communication. This opens up many unforeseen potentials in app development that we have never thought of before, such as:

• The ability to share virtual experiences on social media. Like being able to virtually take your friends on your trip to India. Or take your followers on a 3D tour while you're out skiing.
  ‍
• Deepening the impact of education and learning. For example, through virtual field trips. Greek history will certainly become more interesting if students can walk around a virtual Parthenon. Medical students can practice surgical procedures virtually without any risks. You can learn Spanish by taking a virtual interactive walk through Madrid.
  ‍
• Developing remote work. For example, through virtual meetings where you can share presentations in the room, share files in an instant, and have face-to-face discussions even if participants are geographically dispersed. Or being able to have the architect 'on-site' in the actual building to discuss details and specifications during a construction project.
  ‍
• Interactive training. Like having a personal trainer by your side even when you're working out at home. Or turning your usual boring run into an amazing jog along Mount Fuji. If you miss friends who live in other parts of the country, you can play virtual golf or poker together."
  ‍

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Apple Vision Pro has shattered the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds, transforming how we design games, entertainment, education, and work. Now, it's possible to develop apps in a way that has never been possible before.

What is required to start developing apps for Apple Vision Pro?

Vision Pro has an entirely new operating system, VisionOS, but fundamentally, it's still an iOS device. This gives Vision Pro the same foundational capabilities as other Apple devices. Naturally, Apple is keen on rapidly expanding the app offerings for Vision Pro. Therefore, they make it as easy as possible for app developers. You can start the software development process in Apple's integrated development environment, Xcode. Existing frameworks like SwiftUI, UIKit, RealityKit, and ARKit can also be used to bring an app to VisionOS. Apple even offers app developers the opportunity to borrow a developer kit to build, test, and prepare apps for Vision Pro.
‍

We also see how major game engines like Unity have quickly developed support for VisionOS, allowing game developers to use the same familiar development tools and workflows to create immersive spatial experiences for Apple Vision Pro. And this is just the beginning. Apple aims to steer development in a new direction without changing the underlying technology too much. This provides those with innovative app ideas entirely new opportunities to create immersive experiences. Don't miss out on this chance!
‍

Curious about how you can create apps for the future and for Vision Pro? At Third Act, we're experts in app development, design, and user experience, but above all, we understand the user's journey and how it's crucial for business goals. Need help with your app? Contact us, and we'll tell you more!

‍