Apple’s Vision Pro developer labs have been making waves in several major cities around the world. These labs offer developers the opportunity to test and optimize their apps on visionOS, Apple’s upcoming operating system for its highly anticipated Vision Pro headset. Apple employees are on hand to provide assistance with setup and troubleshooting. The labs have been held in Cupertino, London, Munich, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo, allowing developers from various regions to get early hands-on time with the headset.

Apple recently highlighted some positive reactions from developers who have attended the labs and had the chance to try on the Vision Pro. One developer, David Smith, the creator of the Widgetsmith app, expressed his awe at seeing his own app running on the headset. He explained that while he had been working on it in the simulator, it was an entirely different experience to see it in action and have a tangible representation of his hard work.

Michael Simmons, the developer behind Fantastical and Cardhop, described the Vision Pro labs as a “proving ground” for spatial computing. He shared that experiencing spatial computing not only validated the designs they had been working on but also expanded their thinking beyond traditional boundaries.

Interested developers who are at least 18 years old and registered with Apple can apply to attend a Vision Pro lab for free. The labs are held in various locations, with additional dates added through late September based on demand. Priority is given to developers who are building apps specifically optimized for the Vision Pro.

Earlier in August, there were reports that the labs had been sparsely attended by developers. However, it is anticipated that interest will grow over time. It’s worth noting that there are no labs available on the East Coast of the United States, and Apple does not cover travel or accommodation expenses.

Apple has announced that the Vision Pro headset will launch in the United States in early 2024, with availability in other countries later in the same year. The price for the headset is set at $3,499. With these developer labs and the positive feedback from developers, Apple is taking strides to ensure that the Vision Pro will be a groundbreaking device that will push the boundaries of spatial computing.