Apple Claims Vision Pro SDK Downloads Exceeded Expectations Amid Developer Lab Attendance Concerns

[MacRumors]

Downloads of the visionOS software development kit (SDK) apparently surpassed Apple's expectations, despite previously reported concerns about developer interest in the Vision Pro headset.

In an interview with Digital Trends, Apple executives indicated that there has been a high level of interest in Vision Pro from developers. The affirmation comes on the heels of concerns highlighted by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman last month claiming that the developer labs have been "under-filled with small amounts of developers." Apple is not offering U.S. developer labs outside of Cupertino, which means any developer that wants to try the Vision Pro must travel to Apple's headquarters in California.

Apple refrained from directly addressing these reports, but Apple vice president of worldwide developer relations Susan Prescott pointed out that there was an "extremely high, three-digit customer satisfaction for the labs that we've run so far."

Steve Sinclair, senior director of product marketing for Apple Vision Pro, also told Digital Trends that "the number of SDK downloads has exceeded our expectations," purportedly indicating that Vision Pro has been very popular among developers. The visionOS simulator has been available since late June, allowing developers to begin building and testing apps for the device ahead of its launch in early 2024.

Article Link: Apple Claims Vision Pro SDK Downloads Exceeded Expectations Amid Developer Lab Attendance Concerns

 

[syklee26]

I want to try it, I am sure it will be great, but I don’t see how it would be a mainstream hit with that price. It’s not like people have some $3500 in their pocket to burn. People put up with price hike of iPhone because they need a phone and the alternative is android. People don’t really “need” Vision Pro.

This will be a niche product, and developers don’t spend their time developing for niche product. They will need to find ways to bring down the price to macbook air (or macbook Pro) range to consider it as Mac alternative / media player.

 

[Unami]

yeah, “three digit”, a.k.a more than a hundred, probably far less than 200. Also, curious that she is talking about a three digit “customer satisfaction” which already sounds dishonest as if it were an indication that there were probably even less developers and they are counting every visitor and his dog. Obvious marketing-BS like this rather seeds mistrust than confidence.

 

[- rob -]

Apple vice president of worldwide developer relations Susan Prescott pointed out that there was an "extremely high, three-digit customer satisfaction for the labs that we've run so far."

What’s the units on this? Isn’t it percentage? Are they saying 100% then? What exactly is this measuring?

"the number of SDK downloads has exceeded our expectations,"

What were expectations?

 

[fwmireault]

Low expectations = positive results

 

[MrWayne]

I think it is worth it! I bought a Quest Pro at launch day. I use it with only my hands for many hours daily. The XR experience is far better than holding an iPad. I think Vision Pro is a step up in quality. I can imagine using it daily will be a lot better than my Quest Pro. I can’t wait to try the Vision Pro!

 

[goonie4life9]

More of Apple’s tutti-frutti, phoney baloney, plastic banana, good time, rock-n-roll PR nonsense. Apple makes great products and I really don’t understand their insistence on using these vague statements. It’s like they don’t believe in their own products and are trying to add a facade to what otherwise would be bland products.

 

[Expos of 1969]

I am hereby claiming that my goldfish morphs into a 12 foot great white whenever I put the theme from Jaws on the stereo. Bottom line: Anyone can claim anything without backing it up with proof.

 

[Rodney Dangerfield]

I want to try it, I am sure it will be great, but I don’t see how it would be a mainstream hit with that price. It’s not like people have some $3500 in their pocket to burn. People put up with price hike of iPhone because they need a phone and the alternative is android. People don’t really “need” Vision Pro.

This will be a niche product, and developers don’t spend their time developing for niche product. They will need to find ways to bring down the price to macbook air (or macbook Pro) range to consider it as Mac alternative / media player.

Disagree...Apple has hit a HOME RUN with Vision Pro and can always reduce the price!

For people with disabilities (like me with MS) and increasing cost of travel, the era of virtual travel will become mainstream!

 

[timber]

So surprising. Really expected them to come up and say it was below expectations.

Well, still curious and interested in Vision Pro.

 

[citysnaps]

I love how people reflexively assume the worst possible interpretation of a new Apple product release. Especially the first model, that's intended for application developers.

Yeah... that's how Apple became one of the most successful tech companies in the world with close to 1 Billion customers, many repeat, and employing more than 160,000 employees.

 

[Corefile]

The PR dept for the AAPL Politburo at work again.

 

[anshuvorty]

What’s the units on this? Isn’t it percentage? Are they saying 100% then? What exactly is this measuring?


What were expectations?

It was 0. So, yeah, if they got even 1 download request, it exceeded their expectations. Under promise & over-deliver. Classic Apple.

 

[bobmans]

Three digits customer satisfaction? What does that even mean?
100%? 90.5%? 5.69%?

 

[StuBeck]

Three digits customer satisfaction? What does that even mean?
100%? 90.5%? 5.69%?

I believe they're saying between 100 and 999 people said they were satisified with the device after attending a lab. Either way, it seems contrary to the article title as the SDK downloads aren't reflected in that, they're different things.

 

[tomtad]

It’s not looking good is it?

 

[jz0309]

I am hereby claiming that my goldfish morphs into a 12 foot great white whenever I put the theme from Jaws on the stereo. Bottom line: Anyone can claim anything without backing it up with proof.

You mean someone like Gurman?

 

[ilikewhey]

yeah, “three digit”, a.k.a more than a hundred, probably far less than 200. Also, curious that she is talking about a three digit “customer satisfaction” which already sounds dishonest as if it were an indication that there were probably even less developers and they are counting every visitor and his dog. Obvious marketing-BS like this rather seeds mistrust than confidence.

lol yep, number is context, what was apple's initial expectation? 100? 1000 devs? and what does apple consider exceeding expectations, 20+ or 100+?

 

[jz0309]

MR members at their best, first they claim that the VO is like the iPhone was and that Apple will get it “right”, then it gets announced at a price point no one likes, and when Apple says reaction. Is meeting their expectations, everyone claims it’s a flop and Apple is lying…

 

[lamboaudi4]

Some interesting phrasing going on. Three-digit customer satisfaction? Isn't customer satisfaction usually a percentage... if so that is a rather unnecessary way of saying 100% then. Or is it just made-up market-speak bollox.

 

[THE VATICANTS]

Wow, press-releasing 101. "We have tons of interest"...yawn.....

 

[Expos of 1969]

You mean someone like Gurman?

I mean anybody.

 

[Sorinut]

Disagree...Apple has hit a HOME RUN with Vision Pro and

For people with disabilities (like me with MS) and increasing cost of travel, the era of virtual travel will become mainstream!

Disagree...Apple has hit a HOME RUN with Vision Pro and can always reduce the price!

For people with disabilities (like me with MS) and increasing cost of travel, the era of virtual travel will become mainstream!

Virtual travel? Hmm

I don't think the vision pro would replace the two weeks I'm going to spend camping and hiking in the PNW this month, but if looking at moving pictures is your jive, go for it.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

Is this a repost ? I swear I've seen this exact same "article" on MR this week or the one before

 

[Mr. Dee]

I have to admit, now that the dust has settled and the giddiness of WWDC/new product mania has passed; I can safely say I have no practical use for this product. Tim Cook needed to do this though to satisfy shareholder concerns regarding innovation and looking for new growth areas. Vision Pro will find some moderate success, but its gonna be long game out, price, making it lighter, killer apps, battery life. Refining this product will be priority.