The Complete Guide to Apple’s Impact on XR for Business Users
If you’ve been keeping tabs on emerging extended reality tech, you probably know all about Apple XR for business – the evolving ecosystem of tools, apps, and immersive enterprise software. Apple’s entry into the XR landscape has been a little rocky.
The groundbreaking Vision Pro headset, powered by Apple’s proprietary VisionOS, has struggled with adoption challenges due to its hefty price tag. Some analysts even suggest that the initial headset might be discontinued. But Apple’s XR journey is far from over—it’s just beginning.
Not only is the company upgrading endless types of hardware with spatial computing technologies, but it’s also partnering with organizations like NVIDIA to bring enterprise-grade streaming capabilities to companies and investing in new AI innovations. In the years ahead, the company may even introduce a cheaper version of the Vision Pro.
So, how exactly will Apple reshape the future of enterprise XR?
Apple XR for Business: The Vision Pro Headset
The Apple Vision Pro flagship headset might have some issues—from a high price tag to potentially unnecessary features (like Eyesight)—but it’s hard to argue with its revolutionary functionality. Virtually no other headset can match this device’s incredible spatial computing capabilities or rich features for business users.
From ultra-high resolution displays to incredible computing performance, multi-level hand, eye, and body tracking, and unique multi-tasking capabilities, the Vision Pro has a lot to offer. As the heart of the Apple XR for Business portfolio, the Vision Pro introduced many users to what a “premium” enterprise-grade XR headset could really be, with features like:
- Intuitive Controls: Users can navigate mixed reality workspaces with hand gestures, eye-tracking, and voice. In fact, there’s no need for controllers whatsoever.
- Flexible Immersion: Easily switch between full immersion and mixed reality, staying in tune with your physical surroundings wherever you are.
- Immersive Collaboration: With a dedicated FaceTime experience, and integrations for Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and more, Apple Vision Pro enhances collaboration.
- Desktop Mirroring: Turn your Mac into a virtual workspace. Project multiple screens in a 360-degree environment, boosting multitasking without the physical clutter.
- Security Built-In: Optic ID uses unique iris patterns for device access. Enterprise-grade MDM support lets IT teams enforce security policies and manage deployments.
It might be expensive, but the Apple Vision Pro headset doesn’t cut any corners. If Apple does introduce a cheaper headset – it could become the go-to for businesses worldwide.
Already, surgeons in the UK, as well as manufacturers, retailers, and automotive companies worldwide have embraced the Vision Pro, despite its price, to upgrade training, enhance creativity, and improve productivity.
Apple XR for Business Software: VisionOS and Beyond
Part of what makes the Apple XR for Business ecosystem so impressive is that Apple didn’t just introduce us to a world-leading premium headset. The company is blending cutting-edge hardware with proprietary software, starting with VisionOS.
The operating system, built specifically for spatial computing, blends real and digital worlds with exceptional accuracy. It provides access to various powerful features, from real-time facial scanning for avatar creation to spatial ray-tracking and a multi-app 3D engine.
Since its launch, Apple has been updating the Vision OS solution with new features, like physical mouse integrations, magic keyboard optimization, and live captions. The updated operating system also features advanced spatial recording capabilities and access to cutting-edge AI for content creation, spatial design, visualization, and enterprise communication.
There are even new gesture capabilities, and device sharing features in VisionOS 2.0 – introducing new opportunities for organizations. Beyond an incredible operating system, the Apple XR for business toolkit also supports:
An Enterprise-Grade App Ecosystem
Although Apple initially only offered a handful of apps for the Vision Pro at launch, drawing from iPad and iPhone solutions, they’ve built on their ecosystem massively. There are now hundreds of business-focused apps to choose from, ranging from productivity apps like Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to dedicated sector-focused apps like Codepoint and Flippy.
Apple’s ecosystem allows companies to build customized workspaces for productivity with the SAP Business Technology platform, Microsoft 365 with Copilot, Webex and Zoom conferencing, and more. Plus, through the partnership with NVIDIA, companies can take advantage of NVIDIA Omniverse cloud APIs for real-time streaming and digital twin creation.
The Vision Pro Developer Kit
Additionally, Apple gives organizations the power to build and implement their own apps into the Apple XR for business ecosystem. With the Vision Pro Developer Kit, users can access:
- VisionOS Frameworks: Developers can utilize familiar tools such as SwiftUI, RealityKit, and ARKit to build applications that fully exploit the Vision Pro’s capabilities.
- Reality Composer Pro: An advanced tool for designing and previewing 3D content, enabling developers to craft intricate spatial experiences with ease.
- Expert Support and Resources: Apple extends guidance through detailed documentation, design kits, and direct access to Apple experts, ensuring developers can efficiently navigate the creation process.
In other words, companies get the perfect blend of hardware and software to infuse spatial computing into their workflows with limitless flexibility.
Apple XR for Business: The Unique Benefits
Even if you believe that the Apple Vision Pro turned out to be a “flop” – it’s safe to say Apple is primed to continue making a major impact on business XR. The Apple XR for Business ecosystem goes beyond a single device – providing users with a comprehensive toolkit that supports:
- Seamless Hardware Integration: The Apple XR ecosystem is designed to work harmoniously with familiar devices like iPads, iPhones, and Macs. This integration allows businesses to extend their current workflows into immersive environments without overhauling existing systems. For instance, the Mac Virtual Display feature enables users to project their Mac screen into the Vision Pro.
- Hardware-Software Synergy: Apple’s unique blend of cutting-edge hardware and software and a strong developer and app ecosystem gives companies limitless opportunities to customize their toolkit to suit their specific business needs. Even the VisionOS operating system, built on the foundations of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, offers a familiar yet innovative platform for developers and users alike.
- Robust Security and Privacy: Apple is one of the few companies actively addressing concerns with XR security. The Vision Pro incorporates Optic ID, a secure authentication system that uses the uniqueness of a user’s iris for device access. Biometric data is processed on-device, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and is not transmitted to external servers. VisionOS also supports enterprise-grade mobile device management (MDM), allowing IT departments to enforce security policies, manage app deployments, and remotely wipe devices if necessary.
- Enhanced User Experience: User experience is at the forefront of Apple’s design philosophy. The Vision Pro allows users to arrange apps and documents in a 3D space that suits their workflow. The device also supports natural inputs, including eye movements, hand gestures, and voice commands, making interactions intuitive and reducing the learning curve associated with new technology.
Unlocking Spatial Computing for the Enterprise
Unlike its competitors, Apple has gone all-in on bringing the power of “spatial computing” to the enterprise. With VisionOS, applications are no longer confined to flat screens; they can exist as three-dimensional entities within the user’s environment.
In architecture, specialists can overlay 3D models of buildings onto physical spaces, allowing for real-time collaboration and adjustments. Healthcare professionals can visualize medical data in 3D, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient communication. The flexibility to transition between augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR) modes enables businesses to choose the level of immersion that best fits their specific use case.
Apple XR for Business: The Major Use Cases
One key factor that separates the Apple XR for Business ecosystem from other XR solutions is how Apple has focused on enterprise use cases practically from day one. According to the company, Apple products are already used by virtually all Fortune 500 companies worldwide, and the team wanted to introduce new opportunities in the XR realm.
Combining the Vision Pro with VisionOS, Apple is supporting businesses with use cases like:
Creating Customized Workspaces for Productivity
Apple’s “spatial computing” technology seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world, creating an environment where businesses can reinvent traditional workspaces. Companies can take advantage of Magic Keyboard and Trackpad solutions, easily project Mac screens into the Vision Pro, create multi-tasking workflows with multiple windows and more.
As mentioned above, Apple also gives organizations access to all of the apps they use every day, with spatial computing enhancements. Companies can launch immersive meeting sessions through Zoom, with 3D object sharing and real-world pinning capabilities.
Teams can tap into Microsoft 365 productivity apps (with Copilot included) to create in immersive reality, and share ideas. Apple’s devices also support specialist experiences offered by Cisco Webex, Box, SAP Analytics Cloud, and more. Plus, the enterprise streaming capabilities supported by NVIDIA will introduce new opportunities for enhancing development workflows.
Revolutionizing Design Workflows
In sectors like manufacturing, the Vision Pro’s high-resolution displays and robust sensors make it easy to visualize and work with virtual objects. The Vision Pro’s display system features 23 million pixels across 2 displays, opening new opportunities for product design, construction modelling, and retail planning.
Already, companies like Porsche have leveraged the Apple Vision pro (and VisionOS) to create their own apps (the Porsche Race Engineer app). This app allows the team to collaborate on everything from performance features, to real-time car insights.
With NVIDIA Omniverse Cloud APIs, developers can also easily stream 3D engineering and simulation data from the cloud to the Vision Pro, so they can view and manipulate blueprints in real-time. Plus, they can collaborate through various tools, like JigSpace for inspection workflows, or EnBW – for visualizing renewable energy infrastructure projects.
Upgrading Training, Education, and Simulation
The intuitive immersive features offered by the Apple XR for Business ecosystem make it perfect for training and educational experiences. By simulating real-world scenarios, trainees can gain hands-on experience in a controlled environment.
Companies like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are using Apple Vision Pro headsets and the “Engine Shop” app to allow technicians to learn how to work with the latest engine models in a safe, flexible space. Companies in healthcare are allowing medical students to practice complex surgical procedures using detailed 3D models, enhancing their skills without risk.
Apps like Taqtile Manifest are even available to help companies provide on-the-job employees with digital work instructions for hands-on learning. In fact, in the fieldwork landscape, companies like Resolve have upgraded how engineers can plan and access information as they work, using 3D models and high-detail plans on the Apple Vision Pro.
Apple XR for Business: Opportunities Across Sectors
The adaptability of the Apple XR for business ecosystem makes it a valuable asset across various sectors. Numerous organizations across industries from healthcare to finance. Just some of the most significant use cases across industries include:
- Retail: In the retail sector, Apple’s XR technologies are transforming customer experiences. Brands can create immersive product demonstrations, allowing customers to interact with virtual versions of products before making a purchase.
- Emergency services: For emergency services groups, Apple XR solutions offer incredible opportunities for safe and effective training. For instance, the FireOps app, allows fire fighters to view and follow incident action plans in real-time, while connecting with back-end teams.
- Healthcare: In healthcare, surgeons are using Apple’s XR solutions in operating rooms to access crucial information and enhance precision in real-time. Surgeons have used the Vision Pro to display surgical views and patient vitals directly within their line of sight, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of errors.
- Real Estate: For real-estate experts, theVision Pro enables potential buyers to embark on virtual property tours, experiencing spaces as if they were physically present. This immersive approach allows clients to explore properties in detail, facilitating informed decision-making without the need for on-site visits.
- Financial Services: In Financial Services, companies like UXDA are experimenting with spatial banking solutions to help organizations deliver more personalized service to customers, and ensure they can visualize investment portfolios.
- Manufacturing: In the manufacturing landscape, covering everything from device to vehicle development, the Apple Vision Pro’s exceptional visualization capabilities make it easier to create and iterate on designs faster, and more efficiently.
Apple’s Future in the XR Space
Apple might have faced some roadblocks in the XR world, struggling to validate the high cost of its flagship device to consumers and companies alike. However, the company’s future in extended reality is still bright. In the last year, Apple has significantly updated the VisionOS operating system with advanced AI capabilities, new productivity features, and enhanced integrations.
The company is also investing in valuable partnerships, working with companies like NVIDIA to bring enterprise-grade streaming capabilities to organizations worldwide. This service enables developers to stream complex Universal Scene Description workflows directly to the headset, facilitating real-time collaboration and visualization of intricate 3D models.
Not to mention, Apple is constantly expanding its application ecosystem, with hundreds of new apps, tools, and systems, specifically designed to support enterprise use cases. Beyond that, Apple seems to recognize the need for more accessible XR solutions in the enterprise landscape.
Analysts worldwide believe that the company is working on a less expensive version of the Apple Vision Pro headset, that will deliver similar revolutionary features, while cutting down on unnecessary extras (like the EyeSight display). This would broaden Apple’s market reach, giving organizations access to a device that balances performance with affordability.
Apple XR for Business: A Visionary Future
No matter how you feel about the Apple Vision Pro, it’s impossible to ignore the impact of the Apple XR for Business ecosystem. Leveraging incredible hardware-software synergy, robust security features, and seamless integrations with existing Apple devices (as well as versatile apps), Apple is reshaping enterprise XR on a massive scale.
Few competitors can offer the same blend of usability, functionality, and security as Apple for companies ready to invest in a truly premium XR experience.
Ready to explore your options? Check out our comparison guide, pitting Apple XR against competing solutions here. Alternatively, learn how to effectively embed Apple XR tools into your workflows, with our best practices for implementation guide.
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