Apple Vision Pro's Developer Strap and Diagnostics Mode Revealed in More Detail

Code discovered by MacRumors reveals a clearer look at how Apple stores will support Vision Pro headsets that are in need of servicing or support.

vision pro developer strap diagnostics
Back in June, Apple published its "Platform State Of The Union" video for developers, and multiple times throughout that video, a Vision Pro with a mysterious USB-C adapter could be seen, leading to speculation as to what it could be.

A recent update to one of Apple's diagnostic tools has shed new light on this by providing a new look at the "developer strap" which was first referenced in iOS 17.0 developer beta 1. The tool, which has a model number of A2776, is designed for use by Apple retail stores when interfacing with a malfunctioning Vision Pro. Interestingly, developers who received the Vision Pro developer kit last year were also provided access to this strap.

Code from the diagnostic tools also reveals more information on steps Apple retail stores can take to enter diagnostics mode on a malfunctioning Vision Pro to perform a restore:

  1. Remove the right audio strap and install the developer strap onto the Apple Vision Pro.
  2. Start up the ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ to Diagnostics Mode.
    – Press and hold down the Digital Crown.
    – Attach the battery cable while holding the Digital Crown.
    – Continue holding the Digital Crown for 8 to 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
  3. Plug the ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ into this computer using a USB-C cable.

With ‌Apple Vision Pro‌ officially launching today and Apple publishing a wealth of information about the new device, make sure to keep tabs on all of our coverage for the latest on what Apple CEO Tim Cook calls "the era of spatial computing."

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

Top Rated Comments

coolfactor Avatar
14 weeks ago
I'm surprised this isn't done through the Power connector, given that it has a multi-pin Lightning-like connector. So there's USB on both sides of the Vision Pro. Interesting.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zakarhino Avatar
14 weeks ago
Wait so the right strap bracket actually contains a secret serial connector? Or am I understanding this incorrectly? Interesting
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gaximus Avatar
14 weeks ago

As the other connector might get dusty or even damaged by everyday use, it’s quite clever they are using a separate one as exclusive diagnostics connection.
I actually thought it replaced the battery connector side, and thought you could use it as a plug in option, then thought it was weird that the picture showed it plugged into the Mac directly(without extension usb) like you would wear it while it’s plugged in. But this makes since as you would t have to shut it down and reboot everytime you built to it. Pretty clever. Not as clever as having a built in battery so that it could swap power sources without having to shut down but clever.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coolfactor Avatar
14 weeks ago
I miss these line-art drawings! The manuals for Macs back in the 80s and 90s were actually really fun to read.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
7zeichen Avatar
14 weeks ago

I'm surprised this isn't done through the Power connector, given that it has a multi-pin Lightning-like connector. So there's USB on both sides of the Vision Pro. Interesting.
As the other connector might get dusty or even damaged by everyday use, it’s quite clever they are using a separate one as exclusive diagnostics connection.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Shirasaki Avatar
14 weeks ago
Apple has been touting to cut the need for computer for about a decade. And here, this Vision Pro still needs a Mac to perform certain diagnosis and checks, rather than through iPad or iPhone.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

f 7ba5b5b668dd68b7179a599305cff6b117ef35d1

Apple Announces New iPad Pro With M4 Chip, OLED Display, and More

Tuesday May 7, 2024 7:15 am PDT by
Apple today unveiled redesigned iPad Pro models featuring the M4 chip, Ultra Retina XDR OLED displays, a nano-texture display option, and more. The new iPad Pro offers a considerably thinner design and slightly larger 11- and 13-inch display size options. The 11-inch model is 5.3mm thick and weighs less than a pound, while the 13-inch model is just 5.1mm thick and weighs a quarter pound less ...
5

Apple Event Live Blog: New iPad Pro, iPad Air, and More

Tuesday May 7, 2024 6:33 am PDT by
Apple's "Let Loose" event kicks off today at the unusual time of 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time, and we're expecting to see an iPad-focused event with new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, updated Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard accessories, and perhaps some other announcements. Apple is providing a live video stream on its website, on YouTube, and in the company's TV app across various platforms. We...
iOS 17 All New Features Thumb

Apple Says iOS 17.5 Coming 'Soon' With These New Features for iPhones

Monday May 6, 2024 7:33 am PDT by
Apple today announced that iOS 17.5 will be released to the public "soon," following over a month of beta testing. While the software update is relatively minor, it does have a few new features and changes, as outlined in the list below. "The new Pride Radiance watch face and iPhone and iPad wallpapers will be available soon with watchOS 10.5, iOS 17.5, and iPadOS 17.5," said Apple, in its...
f 157980180c661f30ff9611287c90241baf30faff

Apple Announces Redesigned Magic Keyboard for New iPad Pro Starting at $299

Tuesday May 7, 2024 7:39 am PDT by
Apple at its "Let Loose" event today announced a new Magic Keyboard for the latest iPad Pro models, with a thinner, lighter design. Apple says the Magic Keyboard has been redesigned to be thinner and lighter, while maintaing the same floating design. Two colors are available that match the new iPad Pro. New features include a function row with screen brightness controls, an aluminum...
maxresdefault

Everything Announced at Today's Apple Event

Tuesday May 7, 2024 1:06 pm PDT by
Apple today held the first event of 2024, debuting new iPad Air and iPad Pro models and accompanying accessories. While the event was faster than normal and took 40 minutes, we've condensed it down even further for those who want a quick overview of everything that was announced. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. We've also got a full recap of all of the coverage...
iPhone 15 Colors yellow

'iPhone 17 Slim' With Smaller Display Rumored to Launch Next Year

Monday May 6, 2024 9:14 am PDT by
While the iPhone 16 series is still months away from launching, an early rumor about an all-new iPhone 17 model has now surfaced. In a research note with investment firm Haitong this week, analyst Jeff Pu said Apple is planning a so-called "iPhone 17 Slim" model that would replace the Plus model in the lineup. Pu said this model will feature around a 6.6-inch display, a slimmer design, an...
Apple iPad Air hero 240507

Apple Announces New M2 iPad Air Models in 11-Inch and 13-Inch Sizes From $599

Tuesday May 7, 2024 7:10 am PDT by
Apple at its "Let Loose" event today announced new M2-powered iPad Air models in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes with a new landscape FaceTime camera, AI features, and better sound quality with the larger model. Apple says the iPad Air has been designed "to make features pioneered on iPad Pro at a more affordable price," with the brand new larger 13-inch model offering 30% more screen real estate ...