While much attention has been given to the Vision Pro headset, it’s important to also acknowledge the significance of the Vision Pro’s software and its visionOS platform. Apple is known for its meticulous approach to new operating systems, making the introduction of this new software platform a promising sign of Apple’s long-term commitment to visionOS. Furthermore, Apple’s reputation and influence in the tech industry position it as one of the few companies capable of successfully implementing a new software platform.

The visionOS platform incorporates familiar design elements found in various apps, icons, and even features like FaceTime. Although these elements may function differently within the visionOS environment, their recognizable appearance provides a distinct advantage over competing platforms. While there may be a learning curve, users who are familiar with recent iPhone or iPad interfaces will find the transition to visionOS more welcoming. Additionally, visionOS introduces innovative concepts such as immersive environments, customizable workspaces, and collaborative FaceTime calls, which are made possible by the Vision Pro’s hardware and software.

Apple’s strength in seamlessly integrating hardware and software is evident in its walled-garden approach. With visionOS being a new platform, it benefits from the same technical advantages as other Apple operating systems, as they share common frameworks. This compatibility makes it easier for developers to adapt existing iPadOS and iOS apps to visionOS using the visionOS SDK. In many cases, updating an app’s settings in Xcode and recompiling its code for visionOS could suffice. This advantageous framework alignment suggests that when the Vision Pro launches in the coming year, its app store will likely have a considerable range of content from the outset.