Hands-On with visionOS

About This Workshop

Apple Vision Pro introduces a new platform — but for iOS developers, visionOS is closer than it looks. In this hands-on session, you'll learn how spatial computing works, how visionOS fits into Apple's ecosystem, and how to start building apps using SwiftUI and RealityKit.

We'll focus on practical development patterns, real-world use cases, and a guided walkthrough of a simple interactive visionOS app — no prior 3D or AR experience required.

What to Expect

Understanding Spatial Computing

We'll start by demystifying spatial computing and exploring how visionOS fits into Apple's broader platform ecosystem. You'll learn the fundamental concepts that make spatial apps different from traditional iOS apps, including:

• The spatial computing mental model: shared space, windows, and volumes
• How visionOS extends familiar iOS and macOS patterns into 3D space
• The relationship between SwiftUI, RealityKit, and the visionOS runtime
• When to use different app types: windowed, volumetric, and immersive experiences

Hands-On Development

Through live coding and guided examples, you'll build a working visionOS app from scratch. This practical session covers:

• Setting up a visionOS project in Xcode 26.3
• Creating your first spatial interface with SwiftUI
• Placing 3D content in shared space using RealityView and Model3D
• Adding interaction and physics to 3D objects
• Working with Reality Composer Pro for 3D asset integration
• Testing and debugging in the Vision Pro simulator

Real-World Patterns

Beyond the basics, you'll explore practical development patterns that you can apply immediately:

• Best practices for starting visionOS apps without over-engineering
• How to adapt existing iOS code for spatial experiences
• Performance considerations for 3D content and spatial rendering
• Design patterns for spatial user interactions
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Interactive Q&A

Throughout the workshop, you'll have opportunities to ask questions, share your ideas, and get personalized guidance on your specific use cases. Tim will address common concerns and help you think through how spatial computing might fit into your projects.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this workshop, you'll have:

• A working visionOS app running in the Vision Pro simulator that you built during the session
• An interactive 3D object placed in shared space, demonstrating core spatial computing concepts
• Clear understanding of what makes visionOS different from iOS and where the platform is headed
• Practical knowledge of SwiftUI and RealityKit for spatial development
• Confidence to experiment with spatial computing using the same Apple tools you already trust
• A foundation you can extend into volumetric or immersive experiences
• Best practices for starting visionOS projects without unnecessary complexity

Who This Workshop Is For

This workshop is designed for:

• iOS developers with SwiftUI experience who want to explore spatial computing
• Teams evaluating visionOS for their products or services
• Developers curious about visionOS but unsure where to begin
• Anyone interested in Apple's next major platform shift

No prior experience with AR, VR, or 3D modeling is required. If you're comfortable with SwiftUI, you're ready for this workshop.

About Your Instructor