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Apple Vision Pro Turns One: Spatial Reality Check

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January 29, 2025

TLDR: This week's podcast discusses experiences of actual developers using Apple Vision Pro after a year, featuring Gregoire (Piano App) and Cihat (Posters App). They share their likes and dislikes about developing apps for the device.

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In a recent episode of the Waveform podcast, host Ellis Rovin, joined by co-hosts Andrew and David, celebrated the first anniversary of the Apple Vision Pro. They engaged with two developers, Grégoire Lemoulant and Cihat Gündüz, to discuss their experiences and insights about building applications for this innovative device. With the Vision Pro still finding its footing in the tech landscape, the group explored the device's unique features, challenges, and potential future.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

A Year of Apple Vision Pro

  • The Apple Vision Pro launched nearly a year ago, stirring excitement and curiosity in the tech community.
  • Does it serve any practical purpose? Opinions vary, with some users expressing enthusiasm despite its limitations.
  • The podcast examines the mixed reception among users and developers, highlighting a lack of widespread adoption and sales.

Developers' Perspectives

Grégoire Lemoulant: Piano Flowing Tiles

  • Grégoire developed "Piano Flowing Tiles," a unique interactive app designed to enhance music learning in AR.
  • He praised Vision Pro's spatial capabilities, emphasizing the precision of object placement and interaction compared to other VR systems.
  • Stable anchor points are crucial for the app's functionality, allowing users to interact seamlessly with their real-world environment.

Cihat Gündüz: Posters

  • Cihat focused on his app "Posters," aimed at curating digital content in mixed reality spaces.
  • He discussed challenges developers face, notably the lack of persistence in augmented reality, where virtual creations disappear after disconnection.
  • Both developers agreed that innovative apps are essential for attracting users but noted that the high price point of the Vision Pro restricts broader adoption.

User Experience and Adoption Challenges

  • Despite the device’s high initial price of $3,500, users expressed a desire for compelling reasons to invest.
  • The podcast guests shared anecdotes about early adopters using the device for gaming and content consumption but highlighted a lack of killer apps that justify the expense.
  • Despite the fascinating experiences the Vision Pro provides, many users still don't see a significant innovation or necessity compared to existing devices.

The Need for a Killer App

  • The recurring question became: What is the "killer app" that could justify the purchase of a Vision Pro?
  • Suggestions included:
    • Immersive Sports Experiences: Some developers believe that offering a fully immersive way to watch live sports could be a massive selling point.
    • Productivity Enhancements: Features that allow seamless multitasking and a truly immersive work environment could attract professionals.
    • Entertainment Options: Beyond gaming, there’s a desire for apps that enhance movie watching or provide unique user experiences that can’t be replicated elsewhere.

Surveys and Sales Numbers

  • The sales estimates for the first year suggest that Apple sold between 220,000 and 500,000 units, indicating limited market penetration.
  • Developers noted that without a larger user base, there is little financial incentive for other developers to create content, perpetuating a cycle of low investment and low innovative application development.

Future of Vision Pro

  • Looking ahead, the team speculated about potential new models, including a cheaper version to broaden accessibility.
  • Developers believe that Apple may explore ways to refine the form factor and improve comfort to appeal to a larger audience.
  • There are hopes for future iterations of VisionOS that could offer more development tools and APIs, allowing for richer augmented experiences and creative applications.

Conclusion

The discussion surrounding the Apple Vision Pro underscores a pivotal moment in the tech landscape—one filled with innovation but also equipped with significant challenges. With feedback from developers and potential users alike, it’s clear that while the Vision Pro has established itself as a technological marvel, the key to its success lies in lowering barriers for developers and consumers alike. As the tech community watches closely, the next phase for Apple’s vision of augmented reality is just beginning.

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