Image credits: brian heater
Not just Netflix, spotify, and YouTube do not have an app for Apple’s Vision Pro at launch. New App Store data shows that new mixed reality headsets and Apple’s foray into virtual reality have so far received a muted response from app developers.As of this weekend, his App Store for AR/VR devices only has more than 150 apps that have been explicitly updated for Vision Pro, according to market intelligence firm data. app figure — a piece of 1.8 million apps in the App Store.
It’s not the number of apps Available Let me be clear.
Vision Pro is theoretically compatible with iOS and iPad apps unless the developer opts out. But this shows how many companies were rushing to build new platforms. in particular — and it’s even smaller when you consider the size of Apple’s extensive developer base.
There are several reasons why developers don’t customize apps or build new apps specifically for Apple’s latest platforms. This includes the limited supply of his Vision Pro headset for testing and the understanding that the app’s market opportunity may be small for some time.of the device High price range of $3499 More depending on storage size. Developers may also have trouble translating small touchscreen-optimized apps to other types of computing environments.
Still, it’s hard to overlook the negative sentiment Apple has stoked among the developer community in the aftermath of Epic Games’ antitrust lawsuit against the tech giant. Although Apple almost won the case with a court ruling that it is not a monopoly, Apple has decided to give developers access to other means of purchasing subscriptions and other in-app purchases through its website. requested that the company amend its App Store rules. Apple followed this ruling rather maliciously. It ignored numerous other warnings and guidelines on how to implement links within apps, from who can apply this “exception” to App Store rules to the languages developers can use. use.
The company is also only reducing its fees from 30% to 27%, an option that is a no-starter for many app makers considering credit card processing fees can be even higher than the 3% discount. He also said it was an option.
This hostile attitude toward developers could have a chilling effect on Apple’s broader developer community, a community that was rushing to embrace Apple’s new platforms despite declining profits. there is. For example, the Apple iMessage App Store never really caught on. Discoverability challenges Because it is located in the iMessage app drawer. Meanwhile, the watchOS App Store has seen some high-profile departures since launch, including the removal of top apps from Meta. slack, Uber, And Twitter.
Apple’s rivals like YouTube, Netflix and Spotify won’t use Vision Pro to build for Apple’s latest platform, as the Cupertino tech giant increasingly competes in the same market with its own video and music streaming services. selected. Meta, who manufactures his own VR headsets, also understandably chose not to build his app natively for the Vision Pro, as revealed in his Appfigures list. (The app is also not compatible yet. Report MacStories).
That doesn’t mean Vision Pro users won’t need a new headset at launch. According to Apple, Vision Pro allows users to watch Disney+, ESPN, MLB, PGA Tour, Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, Crunchyroll, Red Bull TV, IMAX, TikTok, MUBI. Apple’s own apps are also available, but like others you know Temu, Uber/Uber Eats, Tinder, Notion, CNN, Washington Post, Reddit, Discord, and more.
In addition, the app figure reveal It also includes several other big brands and popular apps built specifically for Vision Pro, including Box, Carrot Weather, Webex, Zoom, and Fantastical. However, many of them were not household names.
Several more companies have opted out, according to Appfigures. That means there is no “compatibility” flag. This includes apps like Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, TikTok, Spotify, YouTube, Google Drive, Gmail, Google Meet, Chrome, Google Home, Roku, Pandora, DoorDash, Amazon, Candy Crush, Bumble, Nike, Nest, and more. It is included. .
Apple briefed developers on existing iPhone and iPad apps Automatically available to Vision Pro users unless the developer edits the app’s availability in App Store Connect. This is possible because Vision Pro’s apps run natively and “use the same frameworks, resources, and runtime environment as iOS and his iPadOS,” an Apple support document explains.
Most likely, many app developers will simply allow existing apps to be ported until Vision Pro gains a large enough user base to attract special attention.