Apple Vision Pro Developer Kits Now Available
In order for the Vision Pro to be successful, Apple must provide developers with early access to hardware, ensuring the availability of engaging apps. Consequently, the company has decided to offer Vision Pro developer kits, which include a loaned mixed reality headset, assistance with setup, regular expert consultations, and additional support beyond the usual developer benefits, to eligible individuals.
The operative term, as you might guess, is “if.” You are submitting an application and not buying a product like the old Apple Silicon Developer Transition Kit. In addition to being part of Apple’s developer program, you need to detail your existing apps and the overall talent of the team. The company favors content creators whose app “utilizes” Vision Pro’s features. You can’t just assume you’ll get a headset, and you probably won’t get one if you’re new or simply porting an iPad app. You’ll have to be happy with visionOS beta software if you can’t get rid of it.
You also can’t use wearable bragging rights. Apple requires developers to keep Vision Pro in a secure workspace that only authorized team members can access. The company can also request the return of the unit at any time. Don’t expect many leaked details, in other words.
As a result, the current series may only end up in the hands of larger developers. However, the release shows how Apple plans to judge app creators and what titles you’ll likely see when Vision Pro arrives early next year. The focus is on refined experiences that help sell the concept, not a huge catalog. That’s not surprising since the Vision Pro is a $3,499 device aimed at professionals and hobbyists, but you may have to wait a while before smaller studios release apps based on real-world testing.
