Apple’s appropriate app checklist is similar because it at all times has been
It appeared odd that Apple did not port any of its appropriate 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 at the least some, if not all, of its appropriate apps to native ones. In case you were not conscious, a appropriate app is one which runs on Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional in its unmodified 2D iPad or iPhone kind.
Apple bragged about how straightforward it will be for builders to make use of its methods to make apps turn 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 observe its personal recommendation. Apple introduced Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional throughout WWDC 2023 and WWDC 2025 simply concluded, and the appropriate app checklist hasn’t budged.
Right here is the checklist 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 appropriate apps has really elevated since Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional launched in February 2024. The acquisition of Pixelmator means these apps are actually a part of Apple’s appropriate apps checklist.
Apple’s Imaginative and prescient Professional drawback
Opinions differ broadly on the employees, however I am a huge fan of Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional. I spend vital time each week working or entertaining myself within the 3D house.
For me, it is fairly the compelling platform with an infinite canvas the place you may simply open home windows, and now spatial widgets, and place them in all places.
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 one can make the most of the platform. There are extra collaborative choices, completely positioned objects that survive restarts, and new gaming alternatives because of PSVR2 controller assist.
Nonetheless, it appears neglectful to enter the third 12 months of this platform current within the public (June 2023 reveal, February 2024 launch), with out touching this checklist of apps. Even when it had been one or two, that might at the least 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 house for these apps, however solely tangentially. Apple contains spatial widgets for Calendar, Clock, Information, Podcasts, Reminders, and Shares.
There’s even a Climate widget despite the app not even current 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 in-between, I am going to give them that, nevertheless it nonetheless appears odd.
Apple must 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 observe a typical.
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 possibility some new native apps might be launched all year long.
Let’s simply hope Apple makes some transfer on this house. If we get to WWDC 2026 and nothing has modified, I will begin doubting Apple’s dedication to its platform.