
Apple will release a new Developer Strap for the M5 Vision Pro headset on October 22nd. Notably, this $299 accessory will not be fully compatible with the original Vision Pro device, marking an update to Apple's developer tool lineup. System code reveals a clear "limited functionality" notification when the new strap is connected, and new icon assets have appeared in the beta version, confirming the accessory's authenticity.
Apple released its first Developer Strap alongside the original Vision Pro, touting it as a way to "accelerate the development of graphics-intensive apps and games." The new strap maintains its professional positioning and is only available to registered developers. It simplifies the development process by connecting to Mac computers via an integrated USB-C port and can replace the original right audio strap. The specific functional differences between the two generations are currently unknown, but the "not fully supported" statement in the code suggests possible performance limitations or interface incompatibilities.
This move reflects Apple's commitment to the M5 Vision Pro developer ecosystem and may also signal adjustments to the hardware architecture of the new headset. As the release date of October 22 approaches, the technology community is closely watching whether Apple will release more technical details and how the new headset will affect the development process of AR/VR applications. For developers, this is not only a new tool to improve development efficiency, but it may also mean that they need to adapt to a new development environment.