Developers Gear Up for Apple Vision Pro Launch with Over 250 Native Support Apps Submitted
As the highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro launch on February 2 approaches, developers are diligently preparing their apps to be compatible with the mixed reality headset. According to a source, over 250 apps with native support for visionOS have already been submitted to Apple. By embracing visionOS, these apps will be able to fully utilize “spatial” design elements and offer users a more immersive experience.
Notably, alongside Apple’s own apps, several renowned third-party apps are set to have native support for visionOS upon launch. These include Airmail, Box, CARROT Weather, Fantastical, Facades, JigSpace, MUBI, Night Sky, OmniPlan 4, Parcel, PCalc, Red Bull TV, Sky Guide, Tides, Webex, Zoom, and many more. App analytics firm Appfigures compiled this data, highlighting the extensive range of apps that will seamlessly integrate with the Apple Vision Pro.
Microsoft is also joining the party by offering a variety of native visionOS apps at launch. Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams are among the Microsoft apps that will be available. Developer Steve Troughton-Smith shared App Store marketing images on Mastodon and @M1Astra on X/Twitter, revealing additional native apps from Crunchyroll, J.Crew, LEGO Builder’s Journey, Lowe’s, and others.
In addition to these native apps, iPhone and iPad apps will automatically be accessible on the Vision Pro unless developers choose to opt out using the App Store Connect tool. This means that Apple is expecting over one million apps to be available for the headset right from the start.
Apple recently unveiled a list of entertainment apps that will be compatible with the Vision Pro at launch. The lineup includes popular platforms such as Disney+, ESPN, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, IMAX, and TikTok. While some of these apps will have native support, others will be compatible with iPad apps.
Disney+ is one of the standout apps that will natively support the Vision Pro from day one. The app will offer users a selection of 3D movies to enjoy on the headset, including blockbusters like Avatar: The Way of Water, Avengers: Endgame, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Elemental, and Encanto. Disney stated in a press release last week that viewers will be able to transform their space into one of four Disney+ environments, immersing themselves even further into the stories. Each environment will feature animations, sounds, and hidden surprises from beloved films and franchises.
However, not all popular apps will have Vision Pro versions available at launch. Bloomberg reports that Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube are among the apps that won’t offer any form of Vision Pro compatibility initially. Nevertheless, users can still access these services through Safari. It remains uncertain whether Meta-owned apps like Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp will be accessible on the headset right away.
With approximately two weeks remaining until the Vision Pro hits the market, developers still have time to prepare their apps for compatibility. It’s safe to assume that more apps will be announced in the coming days as developers strive to optimize their offerings for this groundbreaking mixed reality headset. Exciting times lie ahead for Apple enthusiasts eager to explore the immersive world of the Vision Pro.
