Apple's VisionPro App Ecosystem Is Shrinking: High Price Tag and Missing Features Turn Developers Away

Apple's VisionPro App Ecosystem Is Shrinking: High Price Tag and Missing Features Turn Developers AwayIn February, Apple launched its high-end AR/VR headset, VisionPro, with great fanfare. However, after the initial hype subsided, the product failed to gain widespread attention

Apple's VisionPro App Ecosystem Is Shrinking: High Price Tag and Missing Features Turn Developers Away

In February, Apple launched its high-end AR/VR headset, VisionPro, with great fanfare. However, after the initial hype subsided, the product failed to gain widespread attention. The main culprit is its steep $3,500 price tag in the US. Only tech enthusiasts and early adopters are willing to pay for the device, hindering app developers from creating apps for visionOS.

While theres nothing wrong with developing and selling a high-end product for a specific audience, the hefty price tag translates to fewer users, which in turn deters app developers, particularly for a new platform like visionOS.

During the launch of VisionPro, Apple boasted that the visionOS App Store would have about 600 apps and games from day one. However, by August, the App Store only had 2,500 apps.

Worse yet, recent research by Appfigures (reported by The Wall Street Journal) shows that new app development for Apple VisionPro is declining significantly month over month. The report states that in September, the visionOS App Store saw only 10 new app additions, a drastic decrease from the hundreds added in the previous two months.

When The Wall Street Journal asked developers about the slowdown in app store additions, they all seemed to agree that low user numbers and the lack of some essential features are the primary reasons.

Hrafn Thorisson, CEO of Icelandic VR game developer AldinDynamics, said, "We're not in a hurry. We're waiting until we see a better trajectory and when the next device is coming out."

Scott Albright, CEO of VR game company CombatWaffleStudios, echoed similar sentiments: "VisionPro is not appealing to gamers because it lacks a specific controller for gaming. I think Apple is great for being here, but they need to figure out what this headset is for."

There are still some expectations surrounding the use of Apple VisionPro; however, the lack of content is making the product less attractive. Notably, Apple VisionPro currently lacks apps for popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube.

In conclusion, Apple VisionPro's app ecosystem is facing severe challenges. The high price tag is keeping most users away, resulting in a lack of developer interest in creating apps for the platform. If Apple wants VisionPro to succeed, it needs to reduce the price, offer more features that appeal to users and developers, and attract more prominent apps and games to the visionOS App Store. Only then will VisionPro truly become a leader in future technology and not just an expensive fad.