Survey Reveals Only 3% of Developers Are Creating New Apps for Apple Vision Pro, Highlighting Poor Development Progress

The viability of any operating system largely hinges on the richness of its app ecosystem. With the recent launch of the Apple Vision Pro earlier this year, the growth of its application repository is anticipated to take time. However, a concerning trend has emerged among developers regarding visionOS. A recent survey indicates that only a mere 3 percent of developers are actively creating new applications for this platform, signaling a perception that it may not warrant the necessary investment of their time and resources.

Developer Hesitance: 35 Percent Reject Apple Vision Pro App Development

According to the latest annual developer survey conducted by Setapp, a significant portion of the developer community is hesitant about supporting the Apple Vision Pro. In particular, 50 percent of the surveyed developers expressed uncertainty, particularly given the fact that the initial shipment of the device was below 500,000 units. This lukewarm reception to Apple’s high-priced headset is largely blamed for this trend, as its initial market performance failed to capture widespread consumer interest.

The survey further revealed that 35 percent of developers have zero plans to develop applications specifically for the Apple Vision Pro. Instead, there’s a distinct shift in focus toward artificial intelligence, with 60 percent of developers either currently engaged in AI projects or already incorporating AI features into their existing applications. This pivot away from the Vision Pro could be indicative of a broader trend; despite the headset’s ambitious goals, it has struggled to find a foothold in a crowded tech marketplace.

Survey Results on Developer Interest in Apple Vision Pro

Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously attempted to explain the lackluster sales figures for the Apple Vision Pro, presenting it as a device for early adopters eager to experience advanced technology. However, this perspective overlooks a critical factor: the substantial price tag of $3,499, which is a considerable barrier for most potential customers. Coupled with the tepid interest from developers, these challenges may be contributing to reports of production halting by the end of 2024, as demand and compelling use cases remain elusive.

The recent rollout of visionOS 2.2 introduced valuable productivity enhancements, including ultrawide support. Nonetheless, the platform requires further features that can attract developers and incentivize the creation of innovative applications. The hope remains that with additional updates and enhancements, Apple can spur developer interest and customer engagement in the coming months. Stay tuned for future developments in this rapidly evolving space.

For more insights, visit: Setapp Developer Survey

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