Recent data from Appfigures reveals that Apple’s Vision Pro mixed reality headset has garnered a tepid reaction from the app development community. The dedicated app store for the Vision Pro currently features slightly more than 150 apps, a modest number when compared to Apple’s extensive app store, which houses around 1.8 million applications.
It’s important to note that this count does not reflect the total number of apps available for the Vision Pro. While the headset is compatible with most iOS and iPad apps, the small number of apps specifically tailored for the Vision Pro underscores a tentative stance among developers. This cautious approach is somewhat unexpected, considering Apple’s broad and active developer community, and it suggests a slower embrace of this new platform.
Apple’s Vision Pro app count is up to 190
As of the latest figures, the Vision Pro app store has expanded to 196 applications. Several factors may be contributing to the slow customization rate for Vision Pro apps. These include a limited availability of Vision Pro units for developer testing, apprehension about market prospects due to the device’s high starting price of $3,499, and the challenge of adapting apps originally designed for touchscreen interfaces to a new computing paradigm.
Additionally, Apple’s strained relations with its developer community in the wake of the Epic Games antitrust lawsuit could be playing a role. Despite winning the lawsuit, Apple had to make court-ordered changes to its app store policies, allowing developers to guide users towards alternative payment methods. However, Apple’s adherence to these changes has been marked by further restrictions and only a slight reduction in commissions, which may have alienated many developers.
This perceived hostility towards developers could be deterring the larger developer community, which historically has been quick to adopt new Apple platforms, despite occasional obstacles. Instances of this include the initial challenges faced by the iMessage App Store and the watchOS App Store, both of which experienced difficulties and notable departures.
In the context of the Vision Pro, significant competitors such as YouTube and Netflix have chosen not to develop for Apple’s new platform, likely due to Apple’s growing presence in their market domains through its streaming services. Furthermore, Meta, known for its VR headset, has not created native apps for the Vision Pro, as reported by Appfigures.
Despite these challenges, Vision Pro users still have access to a variety of content. Prominent apps like Disney+, ESPN, MLB, PGA Tour, Amazon Prime Video, and more are available for streaming and download. Additionally, well-known brands such as Box, Carrot Weather, Webex, Zoom, and Fantastical have developed specific apps for the Vision Pro. Nonetheless, the lack of major apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger highlights a significant portion of the app ecosystem choosing not to participate.
As of the latest 2024 update, the number of apps specifically designed for the Vision Pro has risen to 196, indicating a slow but growing interest from developers.
