AI-generated image of a futuristic VR/AR headset using DALL-E 3.
In Fall 2015, Tim Cook proclaimed, "We believe the future of TV is apps." As it turns out, the future of television wasn't apps. Will the future of computing be spatial? On Friday, February 2nd, we will begin to find out when Apple Vision Pro, the company's first augmented reality headset, goes on sale.
Like most new platforms, Apple Vision Pro does not appear to have a "killer app." The future of Apple's new headset is far from assured. Apple needs third-party developers' cooperation to help secure the success of its new platform; however, the company's introduction of a Core Technology Fee (CTF) in response to the European Union's Digital Markets Act alienated a large swath of the developer community. Many popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify appear uninterested in developing a native VisionOS app.
Apple Vision Pro is the first headset that excites me as a user and developer. Despite the uncertainty, I ordered the new device and am actively developing a VisionOS app. Its emphasis on augmenting reality rather than escaping it provides a compelling user story and ultimate flexibility for developing productivity-focused apps.
I'm looking forward to documenting my initial experience this Friday and can't wait to see what we collectively do with it.