>
The long-rumored Apple AR/VR headset may be launching later this year – and we’ve got a new batch of app development leaks for it, hinting anyone can create augmented reality experiences on this device .
Sources report this to The Information (opens in new tab) (through MacRumors (opens in new tab)), Apple is working on software development tools to make app creation as easy as possible. The more apps are built, the more attractive the headset will be.
These tools mean even consumers can build their own apps through Siri, the report says: So you could just describe the experience you wanted to see in augmented reality, and Siri would interpret your commands and build it for you.
Health and wellbeing
One of the examples mentioned in the article is being able to build an app that shows virtual animals walking around a room just by describing it to Siri. No coding or computer graphic design skills are required to put it together.
It’s worth noting that the information in the story is from 2021, so it might be a little out of date at this stage – and it’s obviously unconfirmed and unofficial to begin with. However, it makes sense that Apple wants to make developing apps as easy as possible.
The report also notes that Apple is working on AR content for the headset, with health and wellness as a priority. One potential use for the device is as a meditation aid, allowing users to sit in digitally generated, calming scenes of their choice.
Analysis: following a trend
If the details in this report from The Information are correct, Apple is following a sort of trend when it comes to making its AR software developer tools as easy to access as possible – and the ultimate goal is to increase user engagement as much as possible.
Those of you with kids at home will probably be aware of Roblox, the online gaming platform that makes it as easy to design and build experiences as it is to play them. Apple may be pursuing something similar here.
Then, of course, there’s the phenomenally successful Minecraft: another game that’s also a platform for creating new games and environments. The appeal of Roblox and Minecraft lies not only in what they are, but also in what else you can do with them.
If Apple is going to convince a significant number of people to pay for its AR/VR headset (or mixed reality headset, if you prefer), then a wide variety of apps will be needed – and this could be the perfect way to ensure that.