Developer Tools for Apple Vision Pro

Unlocking Extraordinary App Experiences with visionOS SDK

Apple has announced the release of new software tools and technologies that empower developers to create groundbreaking app experiences for Apple Vision Pro, the company’s pioneering spatial computer. With the introduction of visionOS, the world’s first spatial operating system, Vision Pro allows users to interact with digital content in their physical space using intuitive inputs such as their eyes, hands, and voice. Starting today, Apple’s global community of developers can unleash their creativity and design a new class of spatial computing apps that fully utilize the infinite canvas provided by Vision Pro. These apps seamlessly merge digital content with the real world, delivering extraordinary experiences to users. By leveraging the visionOS SDK, developers can harness the unique capabilities of Vision Pro and visionOS to craft innovative app experiences across various categories, including productivity, design, gaming, and more.

Hands-On Experience and Support for Developers

To facilitate the development process, Apple will establish developer labs in several locations, including Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo. These labs will provide developers with hands-on experience to test their apps on Apple Vision Pro hardware and receive support from Apple engineers. Development teams will also have the opportunity to apply for developer kits, enabling them to build, iterate, and test their apps directly on Apple Vision Pro.

Redefining Possibilities with Apple Vision Pro

Susan Prescott, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations, expressed excitement about the potential of Apple Vision Pro, stating, “Apple Vision Pro redefines what’s possible on a computing platform. Developers can leverage the familiar and powerful frameworks they already know to build visionOS apps. With innovative tools like Reality Composer Pro, they can create entirely new experiences for their users. Spatial computing unlocks new opportunities for developers, allowing them to imagine new ways to connect users, boost productivity, and provide unparalleled entertainment experiences. We can’t wait to see what our developer community dreams up.”

Leveraging Familiar Frameworks for Spatial Computing

Developers can tap into the groundbreaking features of Apple Vision Pro by utilizing the foundational frameworks they are already familiar with from other Apple platforms(Expands Self Repair). These include powerful technologies like Xcode, SwiftUI, RealityKit, ARKit, and TestFlight. These tools empower developers to create diverse app experiences, ranging from immersive windows with depth and 3D content to interactive volumes viewable from any angle, and fully immersive spaces featuring unbounded 3D content. To optimize 3D content for visionOS apps and games, developers can utilize Reality Composer Pro, a new tool available with Xcode. This tool enables them to preview and prepare 3D models, animations, images, and sounds, ensuring stunning visual quality on Vision Pro. Developers can also test their apps using the visionOS simulator, which allows exploration of various room layouts and lighting conditions. Additionally, every developer framework comes with built-in support for Apple’s innovative accessibility features, ensuring that spatial computing and visionOS apps are accessible to all users.

Unity Apps Embrace the Power of Apple Vision Pro

Starting next month, developers who have been building 3D apps and games with Unity’s authoring tools will have the opportunity to port their Unity apps to Apple Vision Pro. This integration enables them to leverage the full capabilities of Vision Pro and enhance their apps with its powerful features.

Excitement from Developers Previewing visionOS

Developers who have already previewed the visionOS SDK and APIs are enthusiastic about the potential of the platform and its ability to create new app experiences:

• Complete HeartX, a medical education platform, aims to prepare medical students for clinical practice by utilizing hyper-realistic 3D models and animations on Apple Vision Pro. These advanced visuals help students understand and visualize medical issues, enabling them to apply their knowledge effectively when interacting with patients.
• Algoriddim’s djay app on Apple Vision Pro transforms the user’s surroundings into a fully-featured DJ system. With a spatial interface, users can mix their favorite music and apply real-time effects using intuitive eye and hand movements. The immersive environments automatically react to the user’s mix, delivering a unique and interactive music experience.
• JigSpace, a communication platform, empowers individuals and businesses to effectively convey ideas and products using Apple Vision Pro. Leveraging high-resolution CAD files, teams can collaborate securely, regardless of their physical location, reducing the time needed to reach crucial “Aha!” moments.
• PTC, a provider of AR solutions for manufacturers, enables collaborative problem-solving by integrating interactive 3D content into the real world. Apple Vision Pro facilitates simultaneous content review by stakeholders across departments and locations, empowering them to make informed design and operational decisions.

Embrace the Future of App Experiences with visionOS

The visionOS SDK, updated Xcode, Simulator, and Reality Composer Pro are now available for Apple Developer Program members at developer.apple.com. Registered Apple developers can access a wide range of resources to design, develop, and test apps for Apple Vision Pro. These resources include comprehensive technical documentation, new design kits, and updated human interface guidelines for visionOS. Developers interested in designing new app experiences for Apple Vision Pro or applying for a developer kit can visit developer.apple.com/visionos for more information.

Apple Vision Pro marks a significant leap forward in spatial computing, enabling developers to create transformative app experiences that merge the digital and physical worlds. With the visionOS SDK and Apple’s commitment to empowering developers, a new era of spatial computing is within reach.