Half of Apple developers have doubts about making Apple Vision Pro apps

AppleInsider

In its latest annual developer survey, Setapp reports that almost 50% of developers are uncertain about whether to support the Apple Vision Pro, but 60% are adding AI features.

Apple's visionOS menu system -- image credit: Apple

In its 2023 survey, Setapp's report by its parent company MacPaw claimed that nearly 50% of Mac developers were including AI in their apps. One year on, it says that 60% of developers surveyed are either actively working on AI -- or have already implemented AI features.

In comparison, the Apple Vision Pro has had a more muted reception amongst developers. As well as almost half of all developers surveyed expressing doubts about supporting Apple Vision Pro, 35% specifically said they have no plans to do so.

"2024 was another year of significant changes in the world of macOS development," lykola Savin, Director of Product Management at MacPaw, said of the full report. "Unsurprisingly, Al once again emerged as the dominant trend, and as Apple Intelligence continues to evolve in 2025, we expect even more developers to embrace these technologies."

"At MacPaw, we're closely monitoring these developments and incorporating them into our Setapp product strategy," continued Savin. "As always, we're excited to witness the innovations that 2025 will bring, and are proud to be a part of the vibrant Mac developer community."

Setapp's report also claims that 40% of developers have cited AI as having the most marked impact on their apps. That's up from 31% in 2023.

There's also been a significant change in how developers distribute their Mac apps. Now only 20% of those surveyed rely solely on the Mac App Store, while 44% said they were using multiple platforms, such as their own websites.

For these developers using multiple platforms, now 52% of their revenue comes from outside the Mac App Store. That's up from 44% in 2023.

One such alternative platform is Setapp itself. Setappby MacPaw is a subscription service that provides the use of over 200 Mac apps, and in September 2024 it launched a beta version of an alternative app store for users in the EU.



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user1

Developers are uncertain? I simply know that I have been spending a significant amount of money on services and digital goods for the Vision Pro. If some developers choose not to benefit from these financial streams, they are missing out on a valuable opportunity. 

jvm156

It’s pathetic that prime and peacock can’t at least throw out a barebones video app so we can actually watch on the Vision Pro at full quality

danox

So that’s their prerogative. You can sit on the sidelines and wait until the Apple Vision becomes an all out success and then cry about the fact that you have no marketshare or presence and (maybe even complain to the EU about Apple making it uncompetitive) but those who did the work and managed to come out with a successful program/product will move forward. 

That’s the way it was with the iPhone, the iPad, the Mac and the Apple Watch, it is also no different than investing in a company at the beginning waiting until it becomes a success. It’s too late once the train has left the station and you’re standing there scratching your head like a monkey wondering what happened well, you happen you hesitated, and you lost.

When a new ecosystem is introduced in the tech area you jump on at the beginning or you get left behind. It’s your choice if you are a developer, but we know how humans are. They will blame Apple for their indecisiveness and unwillingness to think ahead and plan long-term. Developer, wise and even investment wise.

9secondkox2

The AVP being so niche, it’s a big risk to develop for without losing money. 

However, most of these developers have iOS apps already. The least they could do is launch their iPad apps and then gushed interest via usage patterns.

but unless you’re making games, headsets just aren’t the way people want to work or be entertained. No amount of apps will change that. 

kkqd1337

I would argue they are impressive figures

The AVP market share must be absolutely miniscule, I would be very hesitant to invest my time and money developing for it.

So to say 50% of developers are not writing it off and considering allocating resources to it is pretty impressive, and surprising.

Fidonet127

9secondkox2 said:

The AVP being so niche, it’s a big risk to develop for without losing money. 

However, most of these developers have iOS apps already. The least they could do is launch their iPad apps and then gushed interest via usage patterns.

but unless you’re making games, headsets just aren’t the way people want to work or be entertained. No amount of apps will change that. 

For you, this is the case. This is not the case for many people. There are many people and articles saying they like the headset for work or entertainment. 

randominternetperson

kkqd1337 said:

I would argue they are impressive figures

The AVP market share must be absolutely miniscule, I would be very hesitant to invest my time and money developing for it.

So to say 50% of developers are not writing it off and considering allocating resources to it is pretty impressive, and surprising.

Exactly. I doubt more than 20% of developers even have access to an AVP.

Plus raw proportions of "Mac developers" are completely meaningless. At least on the iOS side a huge fraction of the developers are essentially dabblers building or supporting niche apps.