Apple has recently launched a series of developer labs for its upcoming spatial computing device, the Apple Vision Pro. The labs are designed to give developers a chance to test and optimize their apps for visionOS, the operating system that powers the device. According to Apple, the developers who have attended the labs have been amazed by the experience of seeing their apps in 3D space.
What is Apple Vision Pro?
Apple Vision Pro is a headset that enables users to interact with digital content in a spatial way. The device uses advanced sensors and cameras to track the user’s head and hand movements, as well as the environment around them. The device projects high-resolution images onto the user’s eyes, creating a realistic and immersive illusion of depth and perspective.
The device runs on visionOS, a new operating system that is based on iOS and iPadOS. visionOS supports a wide range of apps and games, from productivity and education to entertainment and social media. Users can access these apps through a spatial interface, where they can arrange and manipulate icons, windows, and widgets in 3D space.
Apple Vision Pro is expected to launch in 2024, but Apple has already released the visionOS SDK for developers to create and test their apps for the device. The SDK includes a simulator that allows developers to preview their apps on a Mac or an iPad.
How are the developer labs conducted?
The developer labs are one-day events that are held in various locations around the world, including Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo. The labs are open to current members of the Apple Developer Program or the Apple Developer Enterprise Program who have a visionOS app in active development or an existing iOS or iPadOS app that they want to test on Apple Vision Pro.
The developers who apply for the labs are required to submit a screenshot of their app running in the visionOS simulator. The requests are reviewed by Apple and priority is given to new visionOS apps and existing iOS or iPadOS apps that are being enhanced for visionOS. The developers who are selected for the labs are invited to bring their Mac, code, and everything they need to modify, build, run, and test their app on Apple Vision Pro.
The labs are self-directed coding and design sessions, where developers can work on their apps at their own pace. Apple experts are available to help with setup and troubleshooting, as well as provide feedback and guidance. The developers can also network with other developers who are working on similar or complementary apps.
What are the developer reactions to the labs?
The developers who have attended the labs have shared their positive feedback and impressions on Apple’s website and social media platforms. Many of them have expressed their awe and excitement at seeing their apps come to life in 3D space. Some of them have also shared how the labs have inspired them to rethink their app design and functionality for spatial computing.
For example, Michael Simmons, the CEO of Flexibits, the team behind popular apps like Fantastical and Cardhop, said that seeing his app on Apple Vision Pro felt like seeing it for the first time. He said that experiencing spatial computing not only validated his designs but also helped him start thinking beyond borders and dimensions.
David Smith, a prolific developer and podcaster who created Widgetsmith, said that he checked everything off his list during his lab session in London. He said that he was able to test and optimize his app for visionOS with ease and efficiency. He also said that he was impressed by how natural and intuitive it was to interact with his app using hand gestures.
James Thomson, another well-known developer who created PCalc, said that he had an amazing time at his lab session in Munich. He said that he was blown away by how realistic and immersive his app looked on Apple Vision Pro. He also said that he had fun playing with other apps that were available at the lab, such as Minecraft and Monument Valley.
Why are the developer labs important?
The developer labs are an important initiative by Apple to prepare developers for the launch of Apple Vision Pro and visionOS. The labs provide developers with an opportunity to get hands-on experience with the device and the operating system before they are available to the public. The labs also enable developers to test and optimize their apps for spatial computing, which requires a different approach than traditional screen-based computing.
By hosting these labs, Apple is also showing its commitment and support for the developer community. The labs allow developers to get direct feedback and assistance from Apple experts, as well as network with other developers who share their passion and vision. The labs also demonstrate Apple’s confidence and enthusiasm for its upcoming product, which is expected to revolutionize the computing industry.