At this year’s WWDC, Apple announced the launch of a new hardware and software platform with the Apple Vision Pro headset and a new OS, VisionOS to run it. On Wednesday, Apple released the VisionOS SDK, and the process for developers to sign up for the Vision Pro development kit (the hardware).
Apple also announced the creation of six development labs in cities around the world (London and Munich in Europe), where developers can collaborate with Apple to develop and test their applications.
Developers will be able to use familiar technologies such as Xcode, SwiftUI, RealityKit, ARKit and TestFlight to create their experiences with Vision Pro apps. These technologies will facilitate the creation of 3D apps using Reality Composer Pro, a tool that allows developers to preview 3D models, animations, images and sounds.
Ensure their VisionOS apps are suitable for everyone
A VisionOS simulator will be available to provide different physical room layouts and lighting conditions to ensure applications work in any environment. Additionally, Apple’s accessibility features will be made available to developers to ensure their VisionOS apps are suitable for everyone.
Apple
Next month, developers building their 3D apps with Unity’s authoring tools will be able to port them to Vision Pro.
Apple also released a VisionOS Design Kit for Figma, a platform designers and app makers use to prototype websites, apps and software. Apple says its Figma assets include “a comprehensive set of UI components, views, system interfaces, text styles, color styles, and materials.” All the basic ingredients you need to quickly create highly realistic VisionOS app designs.”
The VisionOS SDK, new Xcode, Simulator, and Reality Composer Pro are available to members of the Apple Developer Program.