The success of Apple's new Vision Pro augmented reality headset depends heavily on support from third-party developers. However, some major services like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify plan not to offer apps for the headset at launch. Other key developers such as Google and Meta also currently don't intend to support the platform initially.
This is an unusually low level of developer enthusiasm compared to past Apple product launches. The company has touted over 1 million apps available for Vision Pro at debut, but the vast majority are just iPad apps running in compatibility mode. Even some of Apple's own iPad apps lack optimization for the headset.
There are several factors potentially contributing to the developer hesitancy:
- Building quality VR/AR apps takes significant investment and some want to see how large the user base grows first
- Some developers are upset with Apple over App Store policies and fees, and may not want to aid the company's new product rollout
- Certain apps and games don't easily translate to Vision Pro's unique interface and lack of hand controllers
- Previous failed app launches for Apple Watch, Apple TV, etc. have made some developers gun-shy
Winning over gamers and game developers will be important to proving the Vision Pro's viability. While major titles like NBA 2K24 are coming to the platform, lack of motion controllers could limit support from certain VR game makers.
The lukewarm developer response risks slowing adoption of the Vision Pro if consumers find a lacking app selection at launch. But platforms like Slack, Microsoft Office, and Zoom will be there from day one, and more well-known names could still join over time if the user base grows sufficiently large.