The foundational vocabulary of any new medium is inherited from that of its predecessor. For example, in the early days of television, many shows were essentially radio programs captured on film. The success of the new medium depends on the development of its own unique vocabulary, setting it apart from previous paradigms.
In the case of Vision Pro, the connection to a predecessor is quite apparent. A major part of Apple’s content strategy is the ability to run iPadOS apps on the headset. When users browse the visionOS App Store, they can choose between content developed specifically for the platform and content created for the tablet. This approach is similar to how the company has built out the Mac App Store, drawing from both iOS and iPadOS apps.
The availability of iPadOS content enhances the essential offerings and gives developers extra time to create custom experiences. The variety of “optimized” apps at launch covers a wide spectrum, from simple UX changes to immersive experiences that take advantage of the Vision Pro’s hand tracking. The success of the Vision Pro depends on the developers and the content they create.
Truly immersive experiences are currently in the minority with the Vision Pro. However, certain features like Environments and Experience Dinosaurs showcase the potential for captivating content that can be developed in the future.
Apple’s push for the “infinite desktop” and focus on serving as a next step in spatial computing have sparked some surprise and skepticism. The premium price point of the first-generation product and the emphasis on enterprise applications and productivity reflect Apple’s strategy to sell to businesses while leaving room for potential future consumer products.
Entertainment and fitness will play a key role in the broad consumer appeal of future devices. However, the current focus seems to be on enterprise applications, productivity, and the potential for cost reduction in future iterations of the product.
