Apple has taken a giant leap forward in the world of spatial computing with Apple Vision Pro. This revolutionary mixed-reality computer seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world. Developers are showing great interest in bringing their apps to Vision Pro. In fact, developers are creating and optimizing apps specifically for Vision Pro and VisionOS.
In response, Apple has sent out an email confirming that it will develop a brand-new App Store for VisionOS. Besides, your iPhone and iPad apps will be automatically published on the new VisionOS App Store because much of the framework for iPhone and iPad operating systems is included in VisionOS.
So, if you are planning to make your existing iOS and iPhone apps on the VisionOS App Store or want to create apps specifically for VisionOS, this guide is for you.
Unveiling the Apple Vision Pro App Store
Apple explains that the upcoming developer beta release of VisionOS will feature the integration of the App Store. By default, your iPad and iPhone applications will be automatically published on the App Store for Apple Vision Pro. Besides, it announces that customers can expect to utilize your applications on VisionOS in the early months of 2024, coinciding with the release of Apple Vision Pro.
In addition, Apple emphasizes that if a developer’s application requires a capability that is unavailable on Apple Vision Pro, App Store Connect will indicate that your app isn’t compatible, and it won’t be made available.
How to Submit Your Apps to VisionOS?
This new platform is set to host a plethora of innovative apps designed for the mixed-reality platform, promising users an immersive and cutting-edge experience. However, you need to ensure a streamlined submission of your apps to VisionOS to maximize the chances of approval.
Here is a detailed submission process explained by the Apple developer.
Preparing your Apps
Most iPadOS and iOS apps are seamlessly compatible with Apple Vision Pro. This means your existing apps can extend to this new platform without additional work.
However, if you are upgrading your current project to VisionOS, your app’s interface will adopt the standard VisionOS system look, and you can include platform-specific features. In most cases, updating your Xcode project settings and recompiling your code will be sufficient.
For developers aiming to create spatial computing experiences for Apple Vision Pro, the VisionOS SDK in Xcode 15.2 is the key. This toolkit empowers you to design apps that leverage the unique and immersive capabilities of VisionOS.
Testing Your App
Before submission, it’s crucial to ensure your app functions seamlessly on the latest release. You can use Xcode Simulator to interact with and test your apps. However, if you want a more comprehensive evaluation, submit a request to have your app directly tested in Apple’s developer lab, following the provided compatibility checklist.
Creating Your Product Page
Your product page serves as a gateway for users to understand and decide whether to download your app. So it should be compelling enough to stand out your app among the competitors. Additionally, it should be crafted while meeting Section 2.3 of the App Review Guidelines.
Here are some essentials for creating a product page for your VisionOS apps.
- Choose a simple and memorable name.
- Use the subtitle to summarize and explain value.
- Provide a concise and informative description.
- Capture high-quality screenshots and app previews using the Developer Capture feature.
- Simulate captures using Apple Design Templates or Simulator.
- Design your app icon for visionOS, considering it appears as a circular 3D object.
Describing Your App
Create a compelling app name, subtitle, and description that highlight your app’s features and functionality. Besides, follow the style guidelines provided, ensuring an accurate representation of Apple Vision Pro, VisionOS, and the App Store.
Submitting Your App
Now, the submission part. Use App Store Connect to submit your app for reviewing and managing its availability. Most importantly, adhere to the App Store Review Guidelines to increase the likelihood of approval.
Once approved, your app will be published on the App Store for Apple Vision Pro based on your specified availability. Additionally, leverage TestFlight to gather valuable user feedback when Apple Vision Pro becomes available.
Test Specific Scenarios Before Uploading Your App To VisionOS
Before uploading your app to Apple VisionOS and VisionOS App Store, make sure to test specific scenarios.
When your app runs in VisionOS, the following App Store features for iOS will still function:
- In-app purchases and subscriptions.
- App capabilities and entitlements.
- On-demand resources.
- App thinning.
App thinning optimizes your app for various devices and operating systems. The App Store, when dealing with VisionOS devices, selects resources that fit best and eliminates others, resulting in a streamlined app installation. To test the thinning support, export your app from Xcode 15 or later and utilize the visionOS virtual thinning target.
Simplify Launching your apps on Apple VisionOS with Frame Sixty
Make deploying your apps on Apple VisionOS a breeze with Frame Sixty. We create futuristic iOS and iPadOS applications as well as Apple Vision Pro Development. Besides, we ensure Apple app development companies can effortlessly launch their applications on the innovative App Store.
We take care of the following steps to ease your app deployment:
Effortless App Deployment
We streamline the app deployment process, making it user-friendly and efficient for developers looking to showcase their applications on the Apple VisionOS App Store.
Compatibility Testing
The platform offers comprehensive compatibility testing to ensure that your apps work seamlessly across a range of Apple devices, providing users with a consistent and reliable experience on VisionOS.
Optimized Performance
Leveraging our expertise, we optimize app performance, ensuring that your applications run smoothly and effectively within the unique environment of Apple VisionOS.
Final Words
As the tech world eagerly anticipates the launch of Apple Vision Pro, developers have a unique opportunity to contribute to this groundbreaking platform. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your app is ready to deliver an exceptional visual experience on Apple Vision Pro, making a lasting impact in the realm of spatial computing.
Elevate your app deployment experience with Frame Sixty now.