When the Vision Pro launches next year, it will be able to run iPhone and iPad apps out of the box. Despite being loaded with cameras, Apple explains that the Vision Pro won't actually expose those cameras to third-party apps that otherwise request access to iPhone and iPad.
See also: Vision Pro: Apple officially introduced the mixed reality headset
As David Heaney points out at UploadVR, the company is looking into camera access in a developer session about improving existing apps for visionOS:
When apps request camera and microphone availability, expect different values to be returned than on iPad and iPhone. When requesting the microphone, apps will receive a single front-facing microphone. When requesting the camera, apps will find two cameras. The rear camera returns a black frame with the symbol no camera. This is a non-functional camera to support apps that assume the rear camera is available. When looking for the front camera, apps find a single composite camera. If no spatial Persona is found on a device, then no camera frames will be returned to apps.
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In short, outward-facing cameras are locked. Inward-facing cameras, on the other hand, work… as long as you’ve created a virtual Persona that represents you. This is what FaceTime, since it’s not possible to turn the headset on yourself while you’re wearing it, and Zoom and WebEx will also leverage Persona to help you be present in video calls.
It's no surprise, given that the Vision Pro is the first product of its kind for Apple. The company typically only starts releasing details of its hardware and software once a product has matured. That's when Apple has typically taken the time to ensure that opening up access to the hardware doesn't compromise user privacy in any way.
Suggestion: Apple: Will a cheaper version of Vision Pro be released in 2025?
David goes on to describe how other companies are addressing camera access for third-party apps on their headset products. Meta and HTC are matching Apple's approach, while ByteDance only allows camera access on Enterprise headsets.
Of course, Apple will allow users to take photos and videos from the camera app in visionOS. There’s even a dedicated button for taking photos and videos. This type of media will capture 3D photos and videos that aren’t possible on the iPhone and iPad.
Read also: Apple: Preparing improved versions of its apps for the AR/VR headset
source of information:9to5mac.com
