When Apple launched the iPhone and iPad, developers quickly created millions of apps. This led to massive successes for companies like Airbnb and Snap. However, other platforms such as Apple Watch and TV haven't enjoyed similar popularity with their App Stores largely ignored by big names like Twitter, Meta, and Uber.
Apple's own data reveals this disparity - its watch and TV stores have less than 1 million monthly active users in Europe compared to about 130 million for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac stores.
So what does this mean for the upcoming Vision Pro app store? Will it follow the success of iOS or struggle like its counterparts on Apple Watch and TV? According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, the answer is likely somewhere in between. High product costs may deter developers from creating Vision Pro apps due to a smaller user base. Furthermore, lack of hand controllers could pose an additional challenge.
However, converting current apps into visionOS should be relatively straightforward which may boost the success of Vision Pro’s app store compared to those on Apple Watch and TV.
On release, Vision Pro will offer three types of apps: unaltered iPad/iPhone apps that run without any extra work; converted iPad apps optimised for mixed-reality experience; entirely new visionOS built specifically for virtual/augmented reality taking full advantage of high-resolution displays & eye-hand controls.
Most developers will likely allow their existing software to run unmodified on Vision Pro given there is no additional work required - potentially generating more revenue. Despite this potential influx however, consumers who paid around $4k (including tax & accessories) might expect heavily modified or completely rewritten applications suited to new interface – posing a possible hurdle for ecosystem development.
Additionally if we consider that during initial years only about 500k units are sold annually (compared with combined sales figure of 250m units/year across iPhone/iPad/Mac), it suggests a significantly smaller addressable market which could discourage developer investment further.
Concerns over limited VR controller support also add up making many established VR developers cautious about building an app solely dedicated towards the Vision Pro platform.
In contrast though, Gurman believe that despite a slow start & challenges ahead,Vision Pro presents long-term opportunities particularly because they cater for customers who aren't hesitant in spending money – meaning higher price tags can be expected ranging anywhere from $20-$250 depending upon the category/type.
Also noteworthy is fact that unlike previous launches where significant issues were reported initially, Vision Pro seems promising right off bat, with major players committing towards platform including Disney+, Microsoft, and Zoom. The only notable exception being Netflix who currently has no plans developing a native application, although its iPad version would still remain accessible via headset.
Prospects and Challenges for Vision Pro App Store