While 60% of developers are embracing AI features, nearly 50% are unsure about developing for Apple Vision Pro, and 35% explicitly have no plans to support the new platform.
AI Leads the Charge
Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate as a development trend, with Setapp reporting a notable increase in adoption:
- 60% of developers have already implemented or are actively working on AI-powered features, up from 50% in 2023.
- 40% identified AI as the most significant factor influencing their app design, compared to 31% last year.
As Apple continues to enhance Apple Intelligence with tools like natural language processing and on-device AI, developers are rapidly integrating these technologies to improve app functionality and user experience.
Muted Enthusiasm for Apple Vision Pro
Despite Apple’s ambitious push for the Vision Pro, the reception among developers remains tepid:
- Almost half of surveyed developers are undecided about supporting the platform.
- 35% have no plans to develop Vision Pro apps, citing uncertainties about the market size, development costs, and user adoption.
The Vision Pro, while groundbreaking, presents challenges for developers, including the need for 3D design expertise and speculative returns on investment. Some developers may be adopting a wait-and-see approach until Vision Pro’s ecosystem matures.
Revenue Shifts and Distribution Trends
The report also highlights a shift in how developers distribute and monetize their apps:
- Only 20% rely exclusively on the Mac App Store, down from previous years.
- 44% use multiple distribution platforms, such as their own websites, with 52% of their revenue now coming from outside the Mac App Store.
Setapp itself is part of this trend, offering an all-in-one subscription platform for Mac apps and recently launching a beta version of an EU-compliant alternative app store in September 2024.
Looking Ahead
Developers’ cautious stance toward Vision Pro suggests a need for Apple to demonstrate clear value and provide robust tools to support its adoption. Meanwhile, the explosive growth of AI integration indicates a thriving focus on enhancing app functionality and innovation.
