In a novel initiative this week, Apple has extended invitations to developers for single-day Vision Pro labs. The selected hubs are spread across Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo. These immersive labs serve as a platform for developers to experiment and fine-tune their apps on visionOS, under the guidance of dedicated Apple personnel.
The immersion in visionOS
As these labs provide an environment conducive to coding and design, developers will have the opportunity to optimize their apps on visionOS. Developers have been advised by Apple to bring along all necessary resources, including their Mac and code, to modify, build, and test their apps on Vision Pro.
Apple Developer Program members aged 18 and above are eligible to apply for the labs. Priority will be offered to developers actively creating apps that are especially designed for the Vision Pro. For this purpose, Apple has extended an SDK and a visionOS simulator to build Vision Pro apps.
Striking a chord of secrecy
Interestingly, the usage of the Vision Pro developer kits, made available for developers requiring constant, firsthand access to the headset, is governed by strict protocols. Apple demands absolute confidentiality, with developers required to store the kit in a “private, secure workspace,” strictly out of sight of any unauthorized individuals.
The kit must remain within the developer’s visual range at all times, and when not in use, it should be secured in a locked Pelican case stored in a locked space. This level of secrecy is a clear indication of Apple’s commitment to maintain the exclusivity of the Vision Pro.
The Vision Pro is scheduled to hit the U.S. markets next year. The headset will support third-party visionOS apps, available for download via the App Store.
We’re eager to know what our valued readers think about these developments in the tech industry. How will the Vision Pro labs impact the future of visionOS apps? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!
