Apple Confirms iPhone, iPad Apps Will Work on Vision Pro by Default

Apple has revealed that the App Store on its upcoming Vision Pro augmented reality headset will come pre-loaded with iPhone and iPad apps right from launch. The tech giant said it will release a new developer beta of its VisionOS platform that will include the integrated App Store.

"By default, your iPad and/or iPhone apps will be published automatically on the App Store on Apple Vision Pro," Apple stated. It added, "Most frameworks available in iPadOS and iOS are also included in VisionOS, which means nearly all iPad and iPhone apps can run on VisionOS, unmodified."

This means developers won't need to modify their existing iOS apps to make them compatible with the Vision Pro headset. Apps optimised for iPhone and iPad will work on the headset alongside apps built specifically for VisionOS.

Apple opened up applications for the VisionOS software development kit (SDK) in July, giving devs ample time to optimise apps before the headset's rumoured launch in first half of 2024. More details about the headset are expected at Apple's 12 September event.

The integration of iPhone and iPad apps is a key feature of the Vision Pro headset, which runs on a VR version of iOS called VisionOS. It underscores Apple's focus on building an ecosystem of apps and services for its first major new product category since the Apple Watch.