The pace is picking up for Apple Vison Pro apps ahead of the spatial computing device’s release on Friday, as developers prepare their apps for the new platform. While just last week, only 150-plus apps had been designed specifically for Vision Pro so far, according to a third-party analysis of the App Store, Apple was announced Today more than 600 new apps and games are being prepared for Vison Pro ahead of its debut. These join more than 1 million already compatible apps on iOS and iPadOS, the company says.
The news comes on the heels of Apple’s proposed plan to comply with a new EU regulation, the Digital Marketing Act (DMA), which forces Apple to level the playing field by opening up to alternative app stores and payments. But Apple’s compliance plan favors Apple, not the spirit of the law. As a result, critics including Spotify, Epic Games and Microsoft called it a “sham” full of “useless fees” and “step in the wrong direction», respectively. Because of that, it existed growing concern that of Apple anti-developer attitude in terms of DMA it could lead to a decreased interest of developers in creating applications for its newest computing platform, the AR/VR headset. Already, major companies like Netflix and YouTube have said they don’t plan to support the device at launch.
Apple today hopes to put those concerns to rest by announcing that the Vision Pro will have a fairly large catalog of apps, despite the device’s high price, which limits its appeal, and Apple’s current lack of developer goodwill. .
The company says more than 600 apps and games are designed to take advantage of Vision Pro’s capabilities and 3D user interface that navigates using your eyes, hands and voice.
Several streaming apps have already announced support, including Disney+, ESPN, MLB, PGA Tour, Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, Crunchyroll, Red Bull TV, IMAX, TikTok and MUBI.
Image Credits: apple
The PGA Tour Vision app offers a golf game with real-time shot tracking on mock-ups of real golf courses, while the NBA app will allow streaming of up to 5 live or on-demand shows simultaneously, Apple notes. Red Bull TV will feature 3D race maps. Soccer fans will also be able to stream MLS Season Pass through Apple’s Apple TV app. This app will offer access to Apple originals, over 200 3D movies and Apple Immersive Video.
Cable companies also have apps from Charter Spectrum, Comcast Xfinity, Cox Contour, Sling TV and Verizon Fios. Other sports broadcasters are participating, including CBS, NBC, NBC Sports, Fox Sports and UFC, in addition to ESPN, Paramount+, Peacock and more.
In its announcement, Apple highlighted productivity apps for Vision Pro including MindNote brainstorming app, data and project management apps OmniFocus and OmniPlan, Microsoft 365 apps, calendar apps Fantasical, Box, Numerics, JigSpace, Webex, Zoom, Microsoft Team , Slack, Notion, Todoit and Navi, which translates conversations in real time.
Image Credits: Zoom/Apple
Hoping to dispel concerns about the Vision Pro’s lack of gaming, especially compared to more affordable headsets like Meta’s Quest VR Devices, Apple noted that the device will feature titles such as BA 2K24 Arcade Edition, Sonic Dream Team, TMNT Splintered Fate, and more. It will additionally offer a catalog of more than 250 games with no in-app purchases or ads through Apple Arcade, including Synth Riders, LEGO Builder’s Journey, Super Fruit Ninja, Game Room, WHAT GOLF?, Cut the Rope 3, Jetpack Joyride 2, Bloons TD 6+, stitch, pattern, illustrated, and Wylde Flowers.
Other apps are also available in the Vision Pro App Store, including an app featuring relaxing 3D dioramas from Loóna, spatial puzzles in Blackbox, and the skateboarding app Skatrick Pro. Users can also access Mac App Store games and applications such as Steam through Mac Virtual Display, such as Lies of P and Baldur’s Gate 3.
Apple highlighted other titles, new and old, including Hold the World, which transports users to London’s Natural History Museum. The Archive, which allows Star Trek fans and others to explore immersive locations and media. ForeFlight air traffic control experience. 3D weather app CARROT Weather. 3D solAR learning applications. solar system explorers Sky Guide and Night Sky; medical applications Insight Heart, CellWalk, Complete HeartX; Lungy mindfulness and wellness apps: Spaces, Odio and Endel. and music apps djay, NowPlaying, STAGE+, Spool, Animoog Galaxy, AmazeVR Concerts, tappr.tv and Apple Music.
Image Credits: apple
Shopping apps include J.Crew Virtual wardrobe and Mytheresa: Luxury Experience, which includes live consultations, as well as Lowe’s Style Studio, Wayfair Decorify and the home buying app Zillow, which will include virtual home tours.
It seems that many developers are waiting until the last minute to submit their apps to the App Store, according to app intelligence company Appfigures ongoing count only sees 350+ apps available as of today.
