In a groundbreaking announcement, Apple has introduced a collection of 600 apps meticulously crafted for the Vision Pro headset. The tech giant also asserts compatibility with over a million pre-existing apps, heralding a seamless experience for users embracing this innovative device.
The Apple Vision Pro is now available for purchase in the United States, signifying Apple’s venture into “spatial computing.” The tech giant announced 600 new apps and games for the device, in addition to the existing one million apps on the App Store claimed to be compatible.
The Vision Pro headset offers users an augmented reality canvas for interaction using eyes, hands, and voice. Simplistically put, this high-end headset enhances media consumption, transforming your room into a personalized theater for watching sports, TV shows, and films.
Here are highlights of a selection from the 600 apps unveiled by Apple, showcasing how they leverage the capabilities of the advanced Vision Pro device to offer unique and unprecedented experiences.
Game-Changer for Sports Enthusiasts
The high-resolution displays of the Apple Vision Pro provide users with an equivalent of more than a 4K TV’s worth of pixels for each eye. This allows users to enjoy content on a screen equivalent to a 100-foot display. Notably, apps like PGA TOUR utilize real-time shot tracking overlaid on 3D models of golf courses, accompanied by essential statistics such as leaderboards, scorecards, schedules, and other tournament details in an engaging and interactive format.
The NBA app offers basketball enthusiasts the ability to stream up to five different broadcasts using Multiview. This feature enables users to monitor real-time player and team stats while also providing the flexibility to keep an eye on other games and scores. On the other hand, the MLB app endeavors to immerse users in a baseball stadium experience, offering a view from the home plate along with detailed statistics for each pitch.
Red Bull TV will showcase 3D maps of races, accompanied by high-quality video and immersive environments. Additionally, the MLS Season Pass will be available, offering an array of compatible apps from leading cable and broadcasting providers.
Stream Beyond Boundaries
Streaming services such as Disney+ and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max are set to leverage the capabilities of Apple Vision Pro, providing users with a fresh and innovative approach to enjoying their favorite movies, shows, and more.
The Apple TV app will grant Vision Pro users access to Apple Originals from Apple TV+, offering over 200 3D movies and Apple Immersive Video. This feature, utilizing 180-degree 8K 3D recordings captured through Spatial Audio, aims to immerse viewers directly into the action. Furthermore, Apple Music provides the capability to download and stream over 100 million songs ad-free, accompanied by the immersive experience of Spatial Audio.
Transforming Productivity
Apple leaves no room for doubt – the Vision Pro is not just for entertainment but is a serious player in the realm of productivity. The revolutionary 3D user interface dismantles the traditional display boundaries for apps, allowing them to coexist seamlessly at any scale. This creates an ideal platform for multitasking and collaborative efforts. Users can elevate their experience by pairing a Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad or extend their Mac’s capabilities to the Vision Pro through the innovative Mac Virtual Display feature.
The visionOS-exclusive app, Box, is meticulously crafted to streamline collaboration and secure file and content management. MindNode takes brainstorming to a new level with thought bubbles floating around the virtual space. OmniFocus and Omniplan utilize expansive windows for data and project management visualization, providing users with a comprehensive view of their project plans.
Microsoft 365 productivity apps such as Fantastical and Numerics will harness the potential of the “infinite canvas” offered by visionOS. JigSpace is set to amalgamate 3D content, audio, video, and text, creating interactive step-by-step spatial presentations. Additionally, Apple Vision Pro facilitates seamless participation in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex calls, enhancing the device’s versatility.
Gaming on visionOS
Apple Arcade boasts a rich catalog of 250 games, all accessible on Apple Vision Pro without in-app purchases or ads. Popular titles such as NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition, Sonic Dream Team, and TMNT Splintered Fate are included. Moreover, there will be titles designed specifically to optimize the capabilities of Vision Pro and visionOS. Games like Super Fruit Ninja, Synth Riders, and Game Room will fall under the category of “spatial games,” offering an immersive augmented reality gaming experience.
Fresh Insights into the Apple Vision Pro
The Apple Vision Pro isn’t essential for common activities like watching movies or playing games, but it introduces these familiar experiences in innovative ways. Moreover, Apple is unveiling unique experiences made possible by an augmented reality/virtual reality headset. Through the Hold the World app, users can journey to the Natural History Museum in London with Sir David Attenborough, offering exploration of rare specimens from the museum’s collections.
The Archive feature transports users to various destinations, offering exploration of locations, artifacts, and spatial media from Star Trek’s screenwriter Gene Roddenberry and other creators. Additional apps like Voyager by ForeFlight provide 3D representations of air traffic and flights, while CARROT Weather utilizes 3D weather maps to deliver humorously unconventional forecasts.