Only a couple of months ago Apple revealed its latest innovation, Vision Pro. It's been known for a few years that Apple was interested in augmented reality technology and spacial computing. When they announced and demonstrated Vision Pro during WWDC 2023, it has become clear that spacial computing will be another big thing and achievement in computer technologies. While there are always critics, majority have been impressed with the device and all signs so far suggest it will become another success story. Apple is usually careful with timing of the announcements of new products. What I found strange, at first, was that device wouldn't be ready for sale this year. Why announce so early? After seeing that Apple has made Vision Pro developer kits available for developers, it makes sense why they would need more time to make sure the product is ready for consumers.
It is great news for developers who were planning to create apps for Vision Pro or were planning to recreate existing iOS or macOS apps for visionOS. Now developers can apply for Vision Pro developer kit. They are not available for sale. Those who qualify will receive developer kit devices on a loan from Apple. Apple makes it very clear in the application page that these are Apple-owned development devices and will need to be returned upon request. It doesn't look like everybody would be receiving them and Apple most likely will be selecting developers and teams who already have been developing on Apple's other devices with great success and have intentions of implementing specific Vision Pro features.
One of the main reasons Apple's product have been a great success story is the developers who build apps for these products. It was great idea and business strategy when Apple created an App Store and marketplace for developers from all around the world to publish their creative works. It wasn't just the idea that made this strategy work but also creating tools, providing resources, and income stream for developers that made it all possible. Now all developers that create for Apple devices is a great resource for Apple to make its new innovations successful as well. Having developer base for iPhones made it products like iPads, Apple TV, and Apple watches success. The same it going to happen with Vision Pro. While some developers will build new and unique apps for Vision Pro, others will simply port existing apps. Both would add great amount of value for the product.
Apple's goal is to make Vision Pro useful in many different use cases, for entertainment and for professional use. It is obvious that games play big roles in such devices. I am sure many game developers will be among the first who would be considered for developer kits. Vision Pro is a new device with main focus on spacial computing, and those who implement such features will also be among the group that Apple would probably favor to send devices to. However, it is not only about the device. This program comes with Apple's support as well. Since it in both Apple's and developer's interest to make sure apps works on Vision Pros as intended, it looks like Apple will utilize this program to make final improvements.
Those who received the Vision Pro developer kit will also get help from Apple in setting up the devices and onboarding. Apple expert will be available to help with UI design and development guidance and assist in refining the apps. There will also be two additional code-level support requests for troubleshooting issues with code. The application will require the account holder of the Apple development program to submit details about team's development skills, existing apps, plans for Vision Pro apps, and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
I believe Vision Pro will be another Apple success story. Just two problems they seem to have solved is impressive. These are resolution and comfort of use.
Resolution. The device will have a great resolution that users won't see the pixels. One of the problems other devices had was their resolution, and reaching a high resolution in such device is a challenging matter especially if companies try to keep the price of the device affordable for many. For such device to be complete it has to have resolution high enough that pixels are not visible and doesn't cause headache for using long time. It seems like Apple has solved this issue, and the headset can be used for productivity activities, getting work down, reading articles, writing documents, all things we normally do on a computer. Another cool feature was how users would be able to display the screen of their mac computers. Apple has always been good at integrating all devices within its ecosystem. But it also looks like they went extra mile making sure non-Apple software like Microsofts's office products can be used on the device as well.
Comfort of use. Since VR and AR devices are stand alone computers they require all kinds of hardware to be packed into small device which would make them heavy. Weight of the device is another challenge that companies have faced and had to balance the quality and comfort of wearing. It is hard to tell how comfortable the Vision Pro will be to wear and for how long without actually trying one. But it looks like they have considered these issues and designed the device to be as comfortable as possible. As it is with all of Apple's products they are good at making improvements year after year. I don't expect Vision Pro to be the best of what Apple can do. But usually at the third release they get most issues resolved. If we wait for more perfect Vision Pro it may take a few more years. But as it is, it does look like Vision Pro will be more comfortable to use than anything available right now.
We will still have to overcome the high price point of $3,500. It seems it was another clever plan by Apple to announce the price of the device long before it is launched. This will give many a time to process pros and cons, and eventually end up deciding that $3,500 is actually worth paying for Vision Pro. Some people say that Vision Pro will replace iPhones in the future. I disagree. I think it can replace computers. If it actually does what Apple claims, I can see people buying Vision Pro instead of MacBook Pros or other laptops in the future. Apple would have to innovate a lot more to create something that can replace mobile phones.
