Apple’s Vision Pro provides a unique way for users to engage with apps through spatial computing. It also offers app developers an alternative method to generate income without relying on subscriptions. According to a report from Appfigures, over half of Vision Pro-only apps (52%) are paid downloads, a surprising statistic compared to the wider App Store where only 5% of apps use this monetization method.
Additionally, 35% of Vision-only apps did not monetize through the App Store, while 13% relied on subscriptions. The analysis included all Vision Pro-optimized apps, totaling over 700, specifically designed for the device as well as existing apps modified to function on Apple’s VR/AR headset. However, roughly 1.2 million iOS apps that work on the Vision Pro but were not modified by developers were not included in the analysis.
When factoring in iOS apps modified for a native Vision experience, only 17% were paid downloads, and 58% used subscriptions for monetization. The average price of Vision Pro apps is $5.67, with the highest priced app reaching $98. Most apps are priced at $9.99 or below, and the total cost of purchasing all paid apps would be $1,089.07 — still lower than the starting price of the Vision Pro device at $3,499.
The report suggests that developers creating unique, native experiences for the Vision Pro are reverting to the paid download model. However, Apple’s recent decision to remove Vision Pro apps from the App Store’s top charts may create difficulties in tracking developers’ success and hinder consumer app discovery, as the Vision Pro’s App Store lacks categories or top charts, unlike other platforms.
Despite this, one Vision Pro developer, Michael Sayman, found success with his News Ticker app, which quickly rose to the top of the paid news apps. However, with the removal of Vision Pro apps from the Top Charts, Sayman expressed intentions to return to Vision Pro development only after Apple addresses search functionality and adds more discovery options.
Another developer, Christian Selig, saw similar success with his Vision-only YouTube client, Juno, which entered the top 10 in the Photo & Video category. Selig remarked that Juno’s success had already surpassed the cost of his Vision Pro, indicating the potential for profitability for early developers on the platform.
Returning to the paid apps model could appeal to developers seeking alternative monetization options beyond high-priced subscriptions. In the past, Apple encouraged developers to adopt free apps with in-app purchases and subscription models, aligning with their services-driven business strategy. This shift aimed to diversify Apple’s revenue streams and offset declining iPhone sales in certain markets.
However, the growth of subscriptions has resulted in some downsides for consumers, including increased demands for ongoing payments and potential exploitation by scammers through misleading tactics. Given the opportunity for developers to generate revenue through one-time purchases on the Vision Pro, it’s puzzling that Apple removed these apps from its Top Charts.
It remains to be seen how this decision will impact developer interest in the revenue model and the Vision Pro itself.
