Apple to Developers: Here's a Vision Pro, But Don't Talk About It

24.07.2023 - 21:09 / pcmag.com / Vision Pro / Don / Pro

Consumers still need to wait several months before Apple launches the Vision Proheadset. But if you’re a software developer, you can now apply to receive early access to the VR hardware. 

On Monday, Apple began offering(Opens in a new window) access to the Vision Pro developer kit to programmers and companies interested in building apps for the VR headset. 

“This kit will help you deliver amazing spatial experiences by letting you quickly build, iterate, and test on Vision Pro,” the company says. However, Apple is loaning out the hardware under strict conditions, which include preventing others, such as friends and family, from trying it out. 

Developer kits function as prototype models of the final device, So far, Apple has only allowed a small number of journalists and analysts to try out the Vision Pro, which will retail for $3,499 when it launches early next year. Hence, the dev kit promises to offer a more in-depth view of the technology’s hardware and software—but only if you can obtain one.  

Apple is only offering the dev kit to applicants already in good standing with the company’s developer program, which facilitates early access to iOS and macOS betas. “Applications will be reviewed and priority will be given to applicants creating an app that takes advantage of visionOS features and capabilities,” the company added. 

The terms and conditions(Opens in a new window) for the dev kit also demand the applicant use the headset “in a private, secure workspace accessible only by You and Your Authorized Developers.”

“You must ensure that unauthorized persons (including any family, friends, roommates or household employees) do not access, view, handle, or use the DK,” it adds. “When in use, the DK should be in your positive control (on your person or within Your direct line of sight) at all times. You must ensure the DK is passcode protected. Never leave the DK unattended.”

Applicants also agree to never use the dev kit outside “from its ship-to address” or in any public place. “This includes discussing, publicly writing about, or reviewing the DK, whether online, in print, in person, or on social media,” the terms add. That said, we wouldn't be surprised if leaks emerge once Apple begins sending out the developer kits.

Outside the dev kits, the company says(Opens in a new window) it's also establishing Apple Vision Pro developer labs in Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo, allowing programmers to test their apps on the VR headset hardware during one-day, in-person sessions.

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