Apple's Vision Pro Unveils Unique App Labeling Approach for Spatial Computing
09.01.2024 posted by Admin
Apple's cutting-edge Vision Pro VR/AR headset is scheduled to hit the market on February 2, and as we eagerly await its release, more details about the app requirements are surfacing. In a recent revelation on the developer page uncovered by 9to5Mac, Apple has provided guidelines for visionOS developers preparing to launch apps, accompanied by a rather intriguing stipulation.
Developers are urged to refrain from using the terms AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) when referring to Vision Pro apps. Instead, Apple suggests labeling them as "spatial computing apps." The company emphasizes the preferred nomenclature, stating, "Spatial computing: Refer to your app as a spatial computing app. Don’t describe your app experience as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), or mixed reality (MR)." Additionally, the headset itself should be referred to as "Apple Vision Pro" with three uppercase words, and the term "visionOS" should start with a lowercase 'v,' even when it initiates a sentence. Apple underlines that these terms should not undergo translation or transliteration.
This distinctive request from Apple raises questions about the company's desire to distinguish its offerings from other VR/AR headsets, such as Meta's Quest 3. While Apple acknowledges the existence of AR and VR apps for its headset, the effort to carve out a unique identity is evident, especially considering the extensive use of these terms by CEO Tim Cook, who hailed Vision Pro as an "entirely new AR platform" during its unveiling at WWDC 2023.
In the same set of directives, Apple instructs developers to disclose whether their spatial computing apps involve actions like abrupt turns or sudden shifts in camera perspective. This information will prompt the product page to display a badge, serving as a warning for users. The guidelines also touch upon the inclusion of privacy labels and considerations for game controllers.
As the eagerly anticipated Apple Vision Pro headset prepares for its debut on February 2, with a price tag of $3,495, it is poised to attract a niche market of highly motivated buyers.
Developers are urged to refrain from using the terms AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) when referring to Vision Pro apps. Instead, Apple suggests labeling them as "spatial computing apps." The company emphasizes the preferred nomenclature, stating, "Spatial computing: Refer to your app as a spatial computing app. Don’t describe your app experience as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), or mixed reality (MR)." Additionally, the headset itself should be referred to as "Apple Vision Pro" with three uppercase words, and the term "visionOS" should start with a lowercase 'v,' even when it initiates a sentence. Apple underlines that these terms should not undergo translation or transliteration.
This distinctive request from Apple raises questions about the company's desire to distinguish its offerings from other VR/AR headsets, such as Meta's Quest 3. While Apple acknowledges the existence of AR and VR apps for its headset, the effort to carve out a unique identity is evident, especially considering the extensive use of these terms by CEO Tim Cook, who hailed Vision Pro as an "entirely new AR platform" during its unveiling at WWDC 2023.
In the same set of directives, Apple instructs developers to disclose whether their spatial computing apps involve actions like abrupt turns or sudden shifts in camera perspective. This information will prompt the product page to display a badge, serving as a warning for users. The guidelines also touch upon the inclusion of privacy labels and considerations for game controllers.
As the eagerly anticipated Apple Vision Pro headset prepares for its debut on February 2, with a price tag of $3,495, it is poised to attract a niche market of highly motivated buyers.