So, there are only a few apps for the headset at the moment and they are all first party. Apple needs developers to make apps for the headset before they start selling it in mass.
If they do not have apps for it, then people will see a “dead” ecosystem and possibly view it as a failed product.
They priced it at a point where consumers won’t really get it, but devs will. At least larger devs will. Selling it, shows the devs that it’s ready for the market and encourages them to get in early so they can possibly catch the wave of new users.
Once there are a decent amount and variety of apps for the headset, they will sell a slightly trimmed down version for significantly less.
What do you think?
I’m comparing this with the transition from iphone to apple watch (in terms of tech and size). It took countless iterations on both iphone and watch to arrive at the apple watch ultra which effectively can be an iphone replacement. based on the current industry iterations, I’d guess that we’ll see a really great product in 3-4 years which is based on this tech just much smaller.
as an ex-mobile dev myself I can say that in my opinion the interface and controls are really interesting already and will allow for a yet not available immersive experience. for example I’m using an wireless VR headset to play halflife alyx and even though that tech is relatively dated, the hand and head tracking is superb; making the experience absolutely amazing. if you’ve not tried it, I highly recommend it, it’s been eye opening for me. any dev that wants to stay relevant has to buy this device and learning how to properly develop for it will likely take 3-4 years as well just to see what people will engage with.
another point that hasn’t been mentioned is privacy, you get to watch your personal movies / recordings / meetings / documents without anyone around you seeing it. this is huge for travelers. just like the ability to have a huge screen with you without having to actually carry a screen.