Impressive hardware features in Apple’s innovative headset and its feature-packed new operating system, visionOS, promise to fuel novel user experiences, providing entirely new ways for users to interact with ported applications to Apple Vision Pro.
In this article, we will look at what it means to port applications to Apple Vision Pro and why your business should consider putting in the work to make it happen.
Why Port An Application to Apple Vision Pro
The best way to approach the prospect of migrating an app to Vision Pro is first to understand the capabilities of Apple’s product.
Here is a picture from Apple of a person modeling the Apple Vision Pro, though it does little justice to demonstrate the full capabilities of this remarkable piece of tech. Remember that the form factor will likely evolve (i.e., become smaller), as many would love to see the Vision Pro and similar products fully intersect with fashion, like watches and other attractive wearables. Image from Apple
Beneath the sophisticated screen and molded plastic are several powerful components you can read more about here.
Unlike most VR headsets, the Apple Vision Pro offers an authentic mixed-reality experience, allowing users to shift between VR and AR modes by turning a switch on top of the device. This means it can display existing and emerging VR and AR content, with the latter being similar to using an AR-capable smartphone app like Snapchat or the Lowes app.
But the real magic is how users can interface with these apps, using a combination of eye movements, hand gestures, and physical inputs. This provides a novel way for users to interact with digital products designed to run on the device’s operating system, visionOS.
New features and interfacing methods will fundamentally change how users interact with digital products. Some of the most notable features and capabilities you’ll build for and with include:
Crafting apps for hand and gaze. Migrating an application to Apple Vision Pro means embracing a distinctive interaction model, blending hand movements and eye direction. There is significant potential for businesses that leverage these inputs in products designed for not only entertainment but also engineering, education, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.
The 4K OLED screen can display traditional media, as well as AR and VR content. Like other headsets, the screen can be used for regular content, such as media or games. For example, companies like Netflix or Hulu could easily port their app to Vision Pro, allowing users to navigate using eye movement or hand gestures and watch content while feeling immersed.
Transitioning between AR and VR. New apps can be designed to use both VR and AR, especially those that might be used for manufacturing, physical product design, and anything where a user might need to “pull” an object (such as a model) into the virtual world to interact with it in a digital setting.
Windows we’ve all grown accustomed to will now have 3D variants called Spaces and Volumes. Adding another dimension to the display gives you actual depth, meaning that some processes and functions will be best served by virtual areas where users can better interact with 3D dimensional objects compared to the flat windows and screens we see on our computers and mobile devices.
Finding the Best Partners to Help with Migrating Applications to Apple Vision Pro
Several apps launching alongside the Apple Vision Pro – around 600 or so – will provide excellent examples and use cases that eager individuals can use to get a feel for what spatial computing experiences can offer.
Identifying an ideal partner to help with visionOS app development is especially challenging for many organizations right now, as all agencies or design/development labs lack extensive experience launching and supporting apps directly on Apple Vision Pro. With that in mind, businesses should instead use the criteria we touch on here to help evaluate the best VR and AR developers for migrating an app to Vision Pro.
Proven Track Record in VR or AR Development
Selecting a seasoned AR/VR developer is pivotal for a smooth transition to the Vision Pro. Their expertise in technical intricacies and adeptness in porting apps to new platforms are indispensable.
For example, look for products like Mustard that we designed for motion tracking in sports, adding a whole new layer of data and knowledge for coaches and trainers to work with.
Ability to Build Strategically and Solve Problems Efficiently
Given the novelty of Vision Pro, adept problem-solving is critical during migration from iOS to Vision Pro. Look for developers who excel in identifying, analyzing, and swiftly resolving uncertainties – agencies and labs that have supported products for many years or overhauled existing apps to positive reception from the user base understand how to learn and iterate to maximize user engagement quickly.
Mastery of Existing and Emerging Development Technologies
Proficiency with iOS frameworks like Swift and SwiftUI, plus immersive tools like ARKit, ARCore, Reality Composer Pro, or Unity, is paramount in delivering intuitive user experiences while migrating applications to Apple Vision Pro. Beyond basic utilization, developers should be able to harness these tools for effective 3D rendering and interaction management, leveraging unique features tailored to immersive experiences.
AR and VR Design Expertise
AR design principles diverge from traditional interfaces, demanding spatial awareness and intuition when interacting and developing with 3D assets. Proficient designers understand real-world scale and perspective, plus how to effectively transpose input methods like gaze and gestures into enjoyable experiences. Designers should also be keen on principles that help minimize motion sickness and reduce visual strain, all the while ensuring inclusive design.
Migrating Your App to Apple Vision Pro Will Keep You Ahead of the Curve
Building engaging 3D experiences will be a learning experience for everyone. For businesses in highly competitive spaces, tackling the migration of an app to Vision Pro sooner rather than later will unlock access to valuable data and feedback that will help you stay ahead of the competition. To learn more or discuss your project, get in touch with us at Studio!