Apple Invites Developers to Vision Pro Coding Labs, Reveals Top-Secret Rules for Tester Kits

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Earlier this week, Apple started accepting applications for one-day Vision Pro developer labs in Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo. These coding labs will allow developers to test and optimize their apps on visionOS, and Apple employees will be available to help with setup and troubleshooting.

Apple Vision Pro with battery Feature Blue Magenta
Apple has since started emailing the first developers invited to attend these labs, which will begin next week and continue into August in the chosen cities.


"In these self-directed coding and design labs, you'll be able to test and optimize your apps on visionOS," Apple's website says. "Bring your Mac, code, and everything you need to modify, build, run, and test your app on Vision Pro."

Apple Developer Program members who are at least 18 years old can apply to attend one of the labs. Developers must have a new visionOS app in active development, or an existing iPadOS or iOS app, and Apple says priority will be given to developers who are building apps that are specially optimized for the Vision Pro.

Top-Secret Rules

Apple has made an SDK and visionOS simulator available for developers to build Vision Pro apps. For developers who need continuous, direct access to the headset, Apple has also opened applications for Vision Pro developer kits. Apple has very strict terms and conditions for these kits, which developers must keep secure at all times.


Developers must keep the kit in a "private, secure workspace," and cannot show it to any family, friends, or other unauthorized individuals, according to Apple. The kit also must be in a developer's "direct line of sight" at all times, and stored in a locked Pelican case in a locked space when not in use, the company adds.

Apple says the Vision Pro will launch in the U.S. early next year, and third-party visionOS apps will be available through the App Store on the headset.

(Thanks, @aaronp613!)

Related Roundups: Apple Vision Pro, visionOS 2
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

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Top Rated Comments

gaximus Avatar
gaximus
18 months ago
Can you take it to a bar if you put it in a case that makes it look like an Oculus Rift?
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macsplusmacs Avatar
macsplusmacs
18 months ago

Top-Secret rules for what?

Apple already announced the Apple Vision Pro. It's really not a top secret anymore. The Vision OS is also already out too!
I think mostly so they can't go to Facebook, etc and tell all the VR devs all the details about hardware , API and how and what are the limitations or advancements on a very detailed level?
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sparkinstx Avatar
sparkinstx
18 months ago
The first rule of Vision Pro testing: You must not talk about Vision Pro testing.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
noodledog Avatar
noodledog
18 months ago

The Vision Pro developer kit rules are INSANE
I know online posts have to be overly dramatic to get clicks, but honestly, I don't think those terms are really all that crazy. Basically protect it, don't lose it, don't let others access it. I guess they are very specific, but the intent isn't very odd to me.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HobeSoundDarryl Avatar
HobeSoundDarryl
18 months ago

Top-Secret rules for what?

Apple already announced the Apple Vision Pro. It's really not a top secret anymore. The Vision OS is also already out too!
I suspect there are key features & benefits to be revealed in perhaps one of the Fall "shows."

There were other desirable features that these should easily support that were not revealed at WWDC. I suspect Apple "held back" some of those to refresh excitement and press coverage when more is revealed, probably in the Fall and then again at the actual launch in 2024. I further guess that someone with access could come across some things that would let such cats out of the bag before Apple wants them revealed... like a crack at beta macOS sometimes reveals new Mac placeholders, etc. What placeholders will these developers find in Vpro? If there are some- and I suspect there will be- this demand for absolute secrecy is probably- at least in part- trying to save those "big reveals" for when Apple wants them to be known.

I fully expect more than what we did get to see in the big demo is coming from Apple (not just whatever these developers create, though I also expect some "amazing!" from the independent developers too).
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zorinlynx Avatar
zorinlynx
18 months ago
What is the point of all this extreme secrecy when the product has already announced and surely devs will talk about it? Seems like letting friends and family use the kit is a good way to get word of mouth going.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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