Apple gives developers early adopters: Shanghai and other places can now borrow Vision Pro and return it next year

Author: Cao Zexi

Image source: Generated by Unbounded AI

On Monday, July 24th, Apple opened the application channel for borrowing the Vision Pro head-mounted display device to developers in many places, including Shanghai.

Apple originally planned to release the "3D" headset in 2024 with a price tag of $3,499. Apple's move will allow specific developers to use real hardware devices to build and target their own apps.

Apple's offering of the headsets is a loan, not a sale, and headsets loaned to developers remain Apple's property and need to be returned to Apple after Apple actually starts shipping the Vision Pro.

When the device launches, these Vision Pros for developers will need a catalog of applications built for their unique hardware and capabilities. By opening apps to developer kits months before launch, Apple allows select developers to use actual hardware to build and fine-tune apps. Apple representatives will also contact developers and provide code reviews to software makers and companies that have rights to the hardware.

Under the Apple Developer Agreement, developers are asked what they're building and which Apple tools they've used in the past, and they must sign a non-disclosure agreement, which includes clauses requiring devices to remain at the shipping address, not be used in public, and locked inside a Pelican hard case when not in use.

Under the terms Apple puts out, the developer's family, friends or employees cannot access, view or operate the hardware. Apple also banned any public discussion of the hardware in person or on social media between developers. In addition, Apple also reserves the right to review the list of employees working on the device.

Apple in June unveiled the Vision Pro, its new virtual reality product, which the company calls its first "spatial computer." It's Apple's first major new product since the Apple Watch in 2014.

The headset uses powerful cameras and sensors to integrate real-world and virtual objects onto the device's high-definition screen millimeters from the user's eyes.

Many of the Apple-designed apps previewed in June were essentially duplicates of iPad apps, and their VR effects were criticized by many observers. But Apple also hinted that the device will be able to execute better VR apps, immersing users in virtual worlds and previewing some fully custom apps.

Apple is interested in developers porting VR apps from other platforms and building new apps specifically for the Vision Pro. Apple said it would prioritize app makers who want to take advantage of the new hardware's capabilities, rather than porting existing iPad apps to the device.

Apple said that in addition to Cupertino, California, where Apple is headquartered, the locations open to developers this time include London, England, Munich, Germany, Shanghai, China, Tokyo, Japan, and Singapore.

Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple plans to launch its Vision Pro headset in the U.S. market in early 2024, but in the early sales phase, it is only available for purchase by appointment, highlighting the current complex situation facing this mixed reality device.

Apple will designate a special area in the physical store to provide customers with experience with the functions of the headset, so that consumers can choose the right headset and accessories.

Some analysts believe that Apple’s requirement that customers come to the store to make an appointment for Vision Pro is actually a last resort, because only in this way can customers be sure that the Vision Pro they buy has a headband of the right size and Light Seal (an accessory made of soft textile that fits the face).