As the highly-anticipated Apple Vision Pro is set to make its debut on February 2, developers are diligently getting their apps ready for the mixed-reality headset.
According to a reliable source, approximately 250 apps with native support for visionOS have already been submitted to Apple.
Native Support Enhances Immersion
Apps that natively support visionOS can harness the full potential of “spatial” design elements, providing users with a more immersive experience. In addition to Apple’s own applications, several well-known third-party apps are poised to offer native support for visionOS right from the launch date.
Notable Third-Party Apps Supporting visionOS at Launch
Among the prominent third-party apps ready to embrace visionOS at launch are Airmail, Box, CARROT Weather, Fantastical, Facades, JigSpace, MUBI, Night Sky, OmniPlan 4, Parcel, PCalc, Red Bull TV, Sky Guide, Tides, Webex, Zoom, and many others, as indicated by data compiled by app analytics firm Appfigures.
Microsoft’s Contribution
Microsoft is also making a significant contribution to the visionOS ecosystem with a variety of native visionOS apps, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams. Developer Steve Troughton-Smith shared images from the App Store that suggest native apps for Crunchyroll, J.Crew, LEGO Builder’s Journey, Lowe’s, and more are in the works.
Expanded App Selection
In addition to native apps, Vision Pro users will automatically have access to iPhone and iPad apps, unless a developer chooses to opt out using the App Store Connect tool.
This means that more than one million apps will be readily available for the headset upon its launch.
Entertainment Options
Last week, Apple unveiled a selection of entertainment apps that will be accessible on the Vision Pro at launch. These apps include Disney+, ESPN, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, IMAX, and TikTok. Some of these apps will be natively supported, while others will function as compatible iPad apps.
Disney+, for instance, will natively support the Vision Pro and offer users an array of 3D movies to enjoy on the headset, including titles like Avatar: The Way of Water, Avengers: Endgame, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Elemental, and Encanto.
Disney’s press release stated, “At launch, viewers can transform their space into one of four Disney+ environments, bringing them even closer to the story,” promising animations, sounds, and delightful surprises for fans.
Notable Absences and Uncertainties
However, some popular apps, such as Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube, will not offer Vision Pro-compatible apps at launch, according to Bloomberg. Users can still access these services via Safari.
It remains unclear whether Meta-owned apps, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, will be accessible on the headset at launch.
With roughly two weeks remaining until the Vision Pro’s official launch, developers still have time to prepare their apps, so more additions to the lineup are expected in the near future.
