Apple Vision Pro developer kit applications could open in July

Developers working on apps for the Apple Vision Pro headset may soon be able to apply for the developer kit, with applications likely to open in July.

At the time of the launch of the mixed-reality headset, Apple advised it wouldn't be putting the Apple Vision Pro on sale until early 2024. However, to help foster the creation of apps in advance of the headset's release, it would be producing an Apple Vision Pro developer kit that it would offer to a select number of developers.

In a Friday tweet, Apple AR/VR prototyper Emanuel Tomozei posted that numerous people have asked when the developer kit will be available. While not stating when exactly, Tomozei offers "it seems you will be able to apply for a Vision Pro dev kit in July."

Tomozei also links to the "Work with Apple" page within the visionOS section of Apple's developer pages. The page mentions that Apple's assistance will be "available in July."

Typically, Apple's developer kits for unreleased hardware are offered to qualified developers, following an application process. The hardware is also usually a loaned device, with the expectation that it is returned to Apple at some point in the future.

The actual assistance Apple will provide developers goes beyond just the developer kit.

Apple will provide compatibility evaluations for apps and games, in which Apple will supply reports on how apps appear and behave within vision OS. There will also be developer labs in six locations where developers will be able to get hands-on time and experience their apps running on Apple Vision Pro.