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Leak Reveals Apple’s Own Apps on Vision Pro Will Be iPad Ports, Not New Versions

ByJim Miller

According to a leaked report from Bloomberg, several of Apple's flagship apps on the upcoming Vision Pro headset will be iPad ports rather than apps optimized for the new device.

Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro

Apps like Podcasts, News, Calendar, and Reminders are expected to run their iPad versions on the Vision Pro instead of redesigned apps made specifically for the headset.

The report cites people familiar with the matter in revealing that Apple itself has not built bespoke apps for its first major new product category in years. The decision reflects broader challenges Apple faces in getting developers excited about creating software for the relatively niche Vision Pro.

Big streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify have already said they won't develop apps or port their iPad versions to the headset. Apple has claimed the Vision Pro will support over 1 million apps at launch, but the number of apps optimized for the visionOS operating system specifically is likely very small.

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Report Highlights App Developer Reluctance

The leaked report highlights Apple's tense developer relationships as a factor in the lackluster app support for Vision Pro. Some developers are upset about App Store policies and commissions.

Others think the potential market is too small to warrant investing in new apps.

Whatever the reasons, the lack of purpose-built apps from Apple itself casts doubt on the company's confidence in developer support for the nascent platform.

Relying on iPad ports suggests Apple recognizes it will take time to build an ecosystem of apps designed for the Vision Pro's unique interface.

The news comes just over a week before the Vision Pro's official unveiling on February 2nd. Pre-orders sold out rapidly, but Apple is only planning limited quantities this year. With developer reluctance compounding supply constraints, Apple faces substantial challenges in making Vision Pro a hit.

Original source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-01-21/apple-vision-pro-lack-of-netflix-youtube-app-store-tensions-threaten-device-lrnjwjb3

– Jim Miller