Understand the New Context
Vision Pro apps live in infinite space, not fixed screens. That means new design patterns, interaction modes, and user expectations.
Ask yourself:
Does your app benefit from spatial context?
Can your content be enhanced in 3D (e.g., dashboards, media, utilities)?
What happens when there's no touch, just gaze and gesture?
Adopt VisionOS Native Patterns
Don't try to force iOS or macOS UIs into VisionOS.
Design for:
Windows: Floating panels anchored in 3D space
Volumes: Interactive, spatial 3D experiences
Immersive Spaces: Full-environment takeovers for media, learning, gaming
Tip: Follow Apple's Human Interface Guidelines for VisionOS. Start with floating window paradigms and expand into volume and immersive when your UX justifies it.
Embrace Spatial UX
Think beyond the screen. Great Vision Pro apps feel intuitive in space.
Best practices:
Use depth and parallax subtly
Design for gaze, gestures, and voice, not taps
Leverage real-world lighting and shadows for immersion
Avoid overwhelming the user with floating UI elements
Optimize for Eye and Hand Input
The primary input on Vision Pro is gaze + pinch gestures, and optionally voice.
Make sure to:
Keep interactive areas large and spaced
Provide clear affordances (hover states, focus indicators)
Avoid micro-interactions that need precision
Support voice commands for accessibility
Performance and Battery Matter
Rendering real-time 3D environments is resource-intensive.
Checklist:
Optimize 3D assets (polygon count, textures)
Use SwiftUI and RealityKit over UIKit for best results
Test with Apple's simulator + physical device if possible
Avoid blocking the main thread with heavy logic
Consider Multi-platform Continuity
Does your Vision Pro app extend your iPhone/iPad/macOS experience—or reinvent it?
Plan for:
Cross-device handoff (e.g., continue work from Mac to Vision Pro)
Shared data and synced state
UI adaptation for each platform’s strength
Test in Spatial Context
What looks good in Xcode may feel wrong in real-world space.
Test real scenarios like:
Standing vs sitting usage
Low-light and daylight conditions
Multitasking with other floating apps
Summary
Vision Pro is not just a screen—it’s a space. To succeed in this new paradigm, developers and designers must master spatial interfaces, rethink user flow, and embrace depth, gesture, and immersion. This checklist helps you ensure your app is not just compatible, but compelling on VisionOS.
