Apple Vision Pro – the company’s first mixed reality headset – received a new update last month that brought improvements to existing features such as Persona, Mac Virtual Display and Contact Key Verification. However, there was one additional feature that Apple didn’t advertise but was reportedly rolling out – alternative payment options in the European Union (EU). After the update, developers have the option to choose between allowing users to pay through the App Store or an alternative method.
Apple Vision Pro visionOS 1.2 update
In a note to developers, Apple said the visionOS 1.2 update adds the ability to select alternative payment options in the EU. The move is in line with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) which allows developers to offer alternative payment methods such as other service providers and external websites, alongside the App Store’s in-app purchase system.
Apple said: “Alternative payment options are now supported starting with visionOS 1.2 for apps distributed in the EU App Store.”
The Cupertino-based tech giant announced the arrival of alternative payment options in January. Users with devices running iOS, macOS, tvOS and watchOS could pay outside of the App Store. This functionality was added to iPad models as well, with the introduction of iPadOS 18 Developer Beta 2. It is now also being introduced for Apple Vision Pro.
The move allows developers to pay a reduced commission of 10 percent on purchases with no additional fees.
Namely, Apple announced in June that its AR/VR headset will be available in more markets after initial availability in the US. It is introduced in EU regions such as France and Germany, in addition to other markets such as Canada, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the UK.
Cheaper Apple headphones
Apple is also reportedly developing a cheaper version of its headphones, called the Apple Vision. It is speculated to be a scaled-down version of the headset with limited features, but which could be more affordable. The Apple Vision could be priced between $1,500 (roughly Rs. 1,25,300) to $2,000 (roughly Rs. 1,67,000) and could be launched by the end of 2025.
