Apple Unveils Vision Pro Mixed Reality Headset - Apps Galore Despite Some Absences

Apple is setting the stage for the introduction of the Vision Pro, its most daring product leap in over a decade, touted as a cutting-edge "spatial computer." Preorders have commenced across the United States. Targeting productivity, gaming, and entertainment, the Vision Pro offers access to a vast app library, exceeding one million applications aimed at enhancing the user experience. Yet, well-known content streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify have decided to bypass the platform despite its imminent release on February 2.

Despite these notable absences, the device is set to launch with an abundance of software. Apple has reportedly confirmed the submission of approximately 250 apps designed to work seamlessly with the Vision Pro's visionOS. MacRumors, drawing on Appfigures' data, suggests that users can look forward to a slew of reputable third-party applications such as Airmail, Box, Carrot Weather, Fantastical, Facades, JigSpace, and Mubi.

Developers are also revealing apps specifically tailored for the Vision Pro. Steven Troughton-Smith and another developer known as @M1Astra shared previews on Mastodon and X of their apps operating under visionOS. Vision Pro will enjoy native support from Microsoft Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. A sneak peek into visionOS has highlighted additional apps including LEGO Builder's Journey, Art Universe, Qlone, J.Crew, Lowe's, and others.

On top of third-party offerings, a range of Apple's own apps are said to come preinstalled with the device. These built-in apps include the likes of the App Store, Files, Freeform, Mail, Messages, Music, Notes, Photos, Safari, Apple TV, and several others. The Vision Pro will also feature a selection of apps that aren't optimized specifically for the mixed-reality environment, such as Podcasts, Books, Shortcuts, and Reminders.

Moreover, most apps that exist on the iPad and iPhone will be available on the Vision Pro as well. Developers, however, have the option to exclude their apps from visionOS compatibility; this is the route that Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify have elected to take. Netflix users can still access content via the Vision Pro's web browser, as a direct app won't be available. Similarly, there will be no dedicated visionOS apps for YouTube and Spotify, nor will the iPad versions be accessible.

Conversely, Apple assured that numerous streaming services are aligning with visionOS for the Vision Pro's launch day. Disney+, ESPN, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, Crunchyroll, Red Bull TV, IMAX, TikTok, and Mubi are among the companies that will offer apps for download on the new headset, providing a wealth of content options for users.