Apple’s suitable app record is similar because it all the time has been
It appeared odd that Apple did not port any of its suitable apps in visionOS 2, however not making any of them native in visionOS 26 is downright neglectful.
Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional is Apple’s first spatial computing platform and an costly one at that. Adoption of the platform has been glacial, and with it, the rollout of software program and media that’s native to the 3D blended actuality platform.
It appeared apparent as we approached WWDC 2025 that Apple would replace a minimum of some, if not all, of its suitable apps to native ones. In case you were not conscious, a suitable app is one which runs on Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional in its unmodified 2D iPad or iPhone type.
Apple bragged about how simple it could be for builders to make use of its techniques to make apps turn into native. Toolbars, menus, and buttons would pop free from their 2D jail and float across the content material.
Too dangerous Apple appears unable to comply with its personal recommendation. Apple introduced Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional throughout WWDC 2023 and WWDC 2025 simply concluded, and the suitable app record hasn’t budged.
Right here is the record of apps Apple makes that is not at present native on the platform:
- Books
- Calendar
- Clock
- House
- Maps
- Information
- Numbers
- Pages
- Podcasts
- Reminders
- Shortcuts
- Shares
- Voice Memos
Humorous sufficient, the variety of suitable apps has truly elevated since Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional launched in February 2024. The acquisition of Pixelmator means these apps at the moment are a part of Apple’s suitable apps record.
Apple’s Imaginative and prescient Professional downside
Opinions differ broadly on the workers, however I am a large fan of Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional. I spend vital time each week working or entertaining myself within the 3D area.
For me, it is fairly the compelling platform with an infinite canvas the place you’ll be able to simply open home windows, and now spatial widgets, and place them all over the place.
Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional wants apps, and Apple ought to present the template
The brand new visionOS 26 is a superb replace that enhances how you can make the most of the platform. There are extra collaborative choices, completely positioned objects that survive restarts, and new gaming alternatives due to PSVR2 controller assist.
Nonetheless, it appears neglectful to enter the third 12 months of this platform present within the public (June 2023 reveal, February 2024 launch), with out touching this record of apps. Even when it have been one or two, that will a minimum of really feel like progress was being made, however zero sends a wild message.
What does it inform builders if the richest firm on the earth with near-unlimited sources cannot spare time for the brand new platform?
There was some slight motion within the area for these apps, however solely tangentially. Apple consists of spatial widgets for Calendar, Clock, Information, Podcasts, Reminders, and Shares.
There’s even a Climate widget regardless of the app not even present on the platform.
Apple ought to set the instance and make the perfect of native apps
Maybe Apple’s introduction of those widgets is seen as their contribution to creating native apps. They’re an excellent in-between, I am going to give them that, however it nonetheless appears odd.
Apple needs to be displaying builders how they’d strategy a spatial podcast or climate app. They’ve usually used their very own APIs as an opportunity to showcase what’s doable and encourage builders to comply with an ordinary.
I will be truthful and say that is beta 1 of visionOS 26. Any variety of issues might change earlier than the official launch within the fall. And there is all the time the prospect some new native apps may very well be launched all year long.
Let’s simply hope Apple makes some transfer on this area. If we get to WWDC 2026 and nothing has modified, I will begin doubting Apple’s dedication to its platform.
