Here are the most useful Apple Vision Pro apps at launch

Apple Vision Pro is here – with a solid collection of third-party launcher apps. Although there are some important omissions (Netflix, YouTube and Spotify), the headset already supports over a million Compatible App Store apps, Apple's proprietary offerings and more than 600 applications developed specifically for the “spatial computing” device. Here are the notable third-party Vision Pro apps that you can install from day one.

Microsoft 365

Screenshot of the Microsoft Word application in VisionOS.  A floating window of a document titled Screenshot of the Microsoft Word application in VisionOS.  A floating window of a document titled

Microsoft

Microsoft has not skimped on its entry into the Vision Pro era. Seven of the company's Office apps are available for installation on launch day. These include Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote and Loop.

The Windows maker has added several unique tools to the mixed reality headset. For example, Word has a focus mode to block out distractions, PowerPoint includes an immersive environment for practicing presentations in front of a virtual audience, and Excel lets you quickly move documents to other applications using the Vision Pro's pinch-to-drag gesture.

Microsoft Teams uses Vision Pro's “Persona” feature, which gives you a digital avatar. Persona matches the facial expressions of your digital representation to yours; It might give your coworkers an eerie valley vibe, but it might also make your virtual self more realistic. Additionally, Microsoft's VisionOS apps include Copilot, tthe company's generative AI assistant which can write text, create summaries and generate PowerPoint presentations.

Disney+

Image of the Disney+ application for VisionOS.  A floating window displays the service home menu in a room.Image of the Disney+ application for VisionOS.  A floating window displays the service home menu in a room.

Disney

Given the long-standing collaboration between Disney and Apple (Steve Jobs sat on the company's board of directors and Bob Iger sitting on Apple until 2019), it's perhaps no surprise that Disney has gone all out with its Vision Pro app.

The app lets you stream Disney+ content in one of four 3D virtual environments: the Disney+ Theater (inspired by Hollywood's historic El Capitan), Monsters Inc.'s Scare Floor, Tony Stark's Avengers Tower and Luke Skywalker's land speeder on Tatooine. Although we have seen virtual environments in countless Metaquest (and other VR streaming apps), Vision Pro's higher resolution should make them more immersive.

Disney's VisionOS app also includes a selection of supported 3D movies. The library includes “dozens of popular films,” including Avatar: The Way of Water, Avengers: Endgame, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Elementary And Encanto. (Disney promises the list will grow over time.) You can also buy or rent more 3D movies from the Store tab in the Apple TV apps.

Zoom

Image of the Zoom application on Apple Vision Pro.  One window displays the speaker, while others display other participants and a chat window.Image of the Zoom application on Apple Vision Pro.  One window displays the speaker, while others display other participants and a chat window.

Zoom

Zoom is also one of the first Supporter of Vision Pro. Like Microsoft Teams, Zoom's VisionOS app will use Apple's Personas, displaying you during calls as a 3D virtual avatar that matches your facial expressions and hand movements. The company says you can tailor the app's spatial configuration “to the perfect size”, ensuring you feel like you're in the same room as your colleagues.

A future update to the Zoom app will add support for 3D object sharing, allowing designers to share and collaborate on 3D models in their virtual space. The app will also eventually include Zoom Team Chat and the ability to pin other meeting participants in the space around you. Zoom says it will help you “feel more connected to the people in the meeting.”

MLB and NBA

The Major League Baseball app on VisionOS.  A window showing a player rounding the bases in center with stats on each side and a visualization of his home run below.The Major League Baseball app on VisionOS.  A window showing a player rounding the bases in center with stats on each side and a visualization of his home run below.

MLB

America's second and third most popular sports leagues are represented on Vision Pro. The NBA app lets you stream up to five live streams in multi-view while checking out scores and stats from other games on the sidelines. Meanwhile, the MLB app features fully immersive environments, including a baseball stadium with a view from home plate and stats for each field. A future update (expected around Opening Day) will add access to “additional MLB.TV content” for subscribers.

The world's premier baseball league shared its enthusiasm for the app. “If there is an opportunity for a baseball fan to enjoy our sport on any given platform, then we must have a presence where we can deliver unique storytelling experiences,” wrote MLB Deputy Commissioner Noah Garden.

Max.

Image of the Max application on VisionOS.  A screen showing the House of the Dragon floats in the center with the Iron Throne Room in the background.Image of the Max application on VisionOS.  A screen showing the House of the Dragon floats in the center with the Iron Throne Room in the background.

Discovery of Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. Discovery's Max is available on Vision Pro, providing access to the streaming service's movies, series, news and sports. The company says some titles will be available in 4K and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.

Like other VisionOS applications, Max will offer at least one virtual environment in which you can stream content: the Iron Throne room of Game Of Thrones And Dragon House. “The intricate embellishments of the Targaryen era will make fans feel like they're watching the programming available on Max in Westeros at the height of their reign,” wrote Casey Bloys, president of HBO/Max Content.

Lowe's Style Studio

Image of the Lowe's app on VisionOS.  A window showing a sink in a living room floats in a 3D window with a real living room visible behind.Image of the Lowe's app on VisionOS.  A window showing a sink in a living room floats in a 3D window with a real living room visible behind.

Lowes

Lowe's will use the Vision Pro to make it easier to imagine ways to spend money in its stores. The Lowe's Style Studio app allows headset owners to “enter an immersive and interactive 3D kitchen scene,” allowing you to “experiment in ways that haven't been possible until now.” The idea is to inspire you by entering a virtual space “curated by Lowe’s professional designers” with hundreds of customizable, real-world materials.

Game room

Image of the game room on VisionOS.  A virtual chessboard sits on a real table in a real environment with an opponent sitting opposite it.Image of the game room on VisionOS.  A virtual chessboard sits on a real table in a real environment with an opponent sitting opposite it.

Solving games

Stockholm-based studio Resolution Games has launched the Game Room app, which lets you play tabletop classics in mixed reality or fully virtual environments. Games include Chess, Solitaire, Hearts, Yacht and (Battleship) Sea Battle.

It supports one to four players in online play against enemies using different Apple devices (not just other Vision Pro owners). It also supports single-player mode against AI opponents.

Other confirmed apps and games

Here are other highlights from Vision Pro's collection of 600+ launcher apps:

  • AmazeVR ConcertsFront Row Virtual Concerts

  • Animoog GalaxyCreate music in 3D space

  • Apple Arcade games (over 250 games, including NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition, Sonic Dream Team and TMNT Splintered Fate)

  • Black BoxSpace puzzles

  • BoxCloud file management and collaboration, including with 3D objects

  • Cellular walkingVisit a bacterial cell

  • Complete HeartXAnatomy, diagnostics and treatments

  • DecathlonBuy in 3D

  • DJTurntables and mixing

  • Explore MarsExplore Mars with NASA rovers

  • FantasticCalendar and tasks

  • HeliumRelax in nature scenes

  • IMAXView 2D and 3D content

  • Insightful heartLearn about the human heart

  • J.Crew Virtual ClosetImmersive shopping

  • Template spaceInteractive 3D presentations

  • The journey of the Lego constructorBuild with 3D LEGO bricks

  • LoonaRelaxing 3D dioramas

  • Lungy: SpacesBreathing exercises and meditation

  • Mental knotMental maps in spatial reality

  • Mytheresa: luxury experienceShopping with live consultations

  • NaviReal-time translation with live subtitles

  • Now playingA glimpse behind the music

  • NumbersProfessional Live Widgets

  • OdioPersonal sound spaces

  • OmniFocus and OmniPlanProject management visualizations

  • PGA Tour VisionImmersive golf experience

  • Red Bull TV3D race maps / immersive videos

  • Sky guide and night skyYour personal planetarium

  • Pro SkaterPhysics-Focused Skateboarding

  • solarExplore the solar system

  • CoilMake music videos

  • STEP+Classical music shows

  • Super Fruit NinjaMince

  • Synth jumpersImmersive gameplay

  • tappr.tvDiscover new music and choreography

  • Empty-XRetro arcade shooter

  • Wayfair DecorateRethink your space

  • WebexImmersive meetings

  • Zillow ImmersionVirtual house tours, interactive floor plans

To learn more about Apple Vision Pro, you can read this one from Engadget first impressions from editor-in-chief Devindra Hardawar and one second hands-on session with associate editor Cherlynn Low and editor Dana Wollman.

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