Apple’s suitable app listing is similar because it at all times 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 combined actuality platform.
It appeared apparent as we approached WWDC 2025 that Apple would replace no less than 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 will be for builders to make use of its methods to make apps change into native. Toolbars, menus, and buttons would pop free from their 2D jail and float across the content material.
Too unhealthy 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 listing hasn’t budged.
Right here is the listing of apps Apple makes that is not at present native on the platform:
- Books
- Calendar
- Clock
- Dwelling
- Maps
- Information
- Numbers
- Pages
- Podcasts
- Reminders
- Shortcuts
- Shares
- Voice Memos
Humorous sufficient, the variety of suitable apps has really 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 listing.
Apple’s Imaginative and prescient Professional downside
Opinions fluctuate broadly on the workers, however I am a massive fan of Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional. I spend important 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 in every single 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 tips on how to 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 help.
Nevertheless, it appears neglectful to enter the third yr of this platform current within the public (June 2023 reveal, February 2024 launch), with out touching this listing of apps. Even when it have been one or two, that may no less than really feel like progress was being made, however zero sends a wild message.
What does it inform builders if the richest firm on the planet 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 current on the platform.
Apple ought to set the instance and make the most effective of native apps
Maybe Apple’s introduction of those widgets is seen as their contribution to creating native apps. They’re a very good in-between, I will give them that, nevertheless it nonetheless appears odd.
Apple must be exhibiting builders how they’d method 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 a normal.
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 at all times the prospect some new native apps might 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’ll begin doubting Apple’s dedication to its platform.