The success of any operating system hinges on its rich app library, and with the Apple Vision Pro making its debut earlier this year, it’s clear that its app ecosystem still has a long journey ahead. However, the journey of expanding this repository requires a two-way street, where developers need to take the initiative to create for visionOS. Unfortunately, based on recent findings, it appears that enthusiasm is lacking; only 3 percent of developers are currently crafting new apps specifically for the platform. This small figure may suggest that developers remain skeptical about the platform’s potential for their efforts.
A recent survey by Setapp highlights that a significant portion of developers, about 50 percent, are hesitant about committing to the Apple Vision Pro. Considering that fewer than 500,000 units were shipped this year, this hesitancy is understandable. The hefty price tag and lack of widespread appeal have kept this advanced piece of technology from capturing the public’s imagination. Within this survey, it was also uncovered that 35 percent of developers have no intention of creating apps for this new platform.
Rather than focusing on the Apple Vision Pro, developers are diverting their attention to emerging technologies such as AI. Around 60 percent have mentioned they are working on AI-related projects or have already set features in motion. This shift indicates that not only did the Vision Pro struggle to gain traction among consumers, but it also failed to ignite significant interest from the developer community. These challenges might explain why reports suggest that production of the Apple Vision Pro could be paused by the end of 2024.
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has previously defended the Vision Pro’s lackluster sales, arguing that it was designed for those eager to glimpse future technology today. However, the hefty price tag of $3,499 poses a barrier for many potential buyers. This tepid developer interest might also be a contributing factor to delays in the lower-cost version of the Apple Vision Pro, which has been postponed to beyond 2027, due to a paucity of compelling uses for mixed-reality headsets.
As visionOS 2.2 rolls out, bringing exciting enhancements like ultrawide support, the need for enticing development opportunities becomes even more pressing. It’s crucial for such updates to encourage developers to unlock the full potential of these modes through innovative applications. Hopefully, adoption rates will improve in the following months, paving the way for more dynamic updates and an enriched app ecosystem. Stay tuned for future developments as this space continues to evolve.
