The Ultimate App Store Optimization Guide for the visionOS App Store

With the introduction of Apple Vision Pro, app marketers now have a fresh frontier to explore: the visionOS App Store. 

This platform isn’t just another marketplace; it’s a portal to a new realm of user experiences, putting spatial computing front and center. What makes it even more thrilling is the chance to shine a spotlight on your app. By submitting it to the visionOS App Store and optimizing it for this innovative environment, you open up new ways to ensure engagement and downloads. 

In this article, we dive into the Apple Vision Pro App Store and explore how getting your app on this platform can drive success.

What’s the visionOS App Store?

The visionOS App Store is a marketplace where you can find and download apps for your Apple Vision Pro, as well as apps that are compatible with iPad and iPhone.

What sets this App Store apart is the immersive feel of Apple Vision Pro. Simply put, the designs are mesmerizing here, capturing the spirit of vastness. 

The search process is also different. Users are expected to rely heavily on search to find an app they need. The number of available apps is about 1,000 right now and keeps growing as more and more apps come to the marketplace.

Searching for apps on visionOS: how is it different? 

Searching for apps on Vision Pro’s App Store differs somewhat from the conventional approach. 

Here’s a breakdown of its peculiarities:

• The main App Store on Vision Pro is tailored for Vision Pro-specific apps, but users have the option to view iPad-compatible apps as well. 
• Users can search for visionOS apps in an innovative way via the Apple Vision Pro’s virtual keyboard or voice dictation.
• Unlike traditional app stores, the Vision Pro’s App Store lacks curated categories or top charts. Users primarily rely on search functionality to find specific apps.
• Users typically start their app search by using the main search field within the Vision Pro App Store interface.
• They may need to enter specific search queries, including the full name of the app they’re looking for, as partial or general terms might not yield accurate results.
• Some users resort to external catalogs like vision.directory to find new visionOS apps. These catalogs enable you to browse the visionOS app list even if you don’t have Apple Vision Pro. 

In terms of app store optimization (ASO), you should take the unique search behavior of Vision Pro’s App Store into account right from the start. Pay even more attention to optimizing app titles, descriptions, and keywords to ensure better search visibility within the search environment of this new platform. 

Of course, the visionOS App Store is still very young, and the search/discovery process will eventually change. Keep tabs on this app marketplace to ensure you don’t miss out on updates.

Should you submit your app to the visionOS App Store?

Getting your app to the visionOS App Store helps you gain access to a growing user base of visionOS device owners. With only around 1,000 visionOS apps available, submitting your app to this marketplace boosts your odds of gaining recognition. This exposure can increase your app’s visibility and number of downloads. 

Uploading an app to the visionOS App Store opens up opportunities for new special offers and in-app events. 

Take a page out of Loóna’s book.

Loóna is a mobile app designed to help users wind down before bedtime. It offers a collection of interactive experiences, including immersive stories, calming activities, and guided meditations, all aimed at promoting relaxation and better sleep. 

When Apple Vision Pro was launched, Loóna’s creators immediately jumped into action and uploaded their app to the visionOS App Store.

After that, Loóna offered a spatial puzzle game to highlight the immersive experience it provides users with, inviting headset owners to step into another world.

Loóna played it smart. The team submitted the app to the visionOS App Store, announced a new game, created a dedicated landing page about it and, on top of that, went for the keyword ‘spatial’, heavily associated with Apple Vision Pro.

This is an example to inspire you. Consider hosting a special in-app event for Apple Vision Pro users after uploading your app to the new marketplace. 

Submitting your app to the visionOS App Store is not just about the present; it’s a strategic step toward the future. Apple Vision Pro is just the first pillar in the development of spatial computers. You’ll want your app to be compatible with the growing range of visionOS devices. Think of it like staking your claim in the Wild West before everyone else arrives. 

How to submit an app to the visionOS App Store?

The process is easy and won’t take a lot of your time. To submit your app to the visionOS App Store, follow these steps:

• Check if your existing iPad and iPhone apps are compatible with visionOS. Most apps can run unmodified on Apple Vision Pro.
• If you’re building new experiences specifically for visionOS, utilize the visionOS SDK in Xcode 15.2.
• Test your app on the latest release by testing on the device or in the Simulator.
• Prepare your app’s metadata. Ensure all the elements effectively highlight your app’s features (including those unique to visionOS apps).
• Provide app motion information if your app contains movement, such as quick turns or changes in camera perspective.
• Include relevant privacy details, especially data groupings specific to visionOS apps, such as Surroundings and Body.
• Use App Store Connect to submit your app for review, ensuring compliance with the App Review Guidelines.

By following these steps, you can successfully submit your app to the visionOS App Store and make it available to users of Apple Vision Pro devices.

App store optimization for visionOS apps

ASO for visionOS apps involves optimizing visual assets, metadata, and privacy information to effectively communicate the app’s value proposition in a spatial computing environment. 

Below, we’ll delve into the specifics of optimizing both textual and visual assets that are relevant for visionOS apps.

Textual assets for visionOS apps

In this section, we focus on the recommendations that can help you effectively communicate the value of your visionOS app to potential users on the Apple Vision Pro App Store.

visionOS app name

When naming your visionOS app, keep in mind that you have a 30-character limit, much like iOS apps. It’s crucial to select a name that is not only simple and memorable but also provides a hint of your app’s functionality. Additionally, consider the hierarchical importance of your app’s name for ASO convention, as it can impact its visibility and ranking on the app store.

If your value proposition aligns with spatial computing or immersive experiences, try to include it in your app name. Use specific keywords to achieve this, e.g.: ‘spatial’, ‘immersive’, ‘augmented’, ‘virtual’.

visionOS subtitle

Similarly, the subtitle for your visionOS app is also restricted to 30 characters. This space serves as an opportunity to summarize your app and highlight its key features. Utilize important keywords and calls to action (CTAs) to attract users’ attention and encourage them to explore your app further.

This is another opportunity to include keywords associated with Apple Vision Pro. 

visionOS app description

Crafting a compelling description is essential for effectively communicating the value of your visionOS app to potential users. Start with a concise and informative paragraph that provides an overview of your app’s purpose and unique selling points. Follow this with a list of main features, focusing on those that are specific to the visionOS product experience.

Don’t forget to include app motion information, addressing any safety concerns related to spatial technology, and highlighting the benefits of your app within a spatial computing environment.

Just like with title and subtitle, consider using keywords that highlight the unique aspects of your app and attract users interested in spatial computing and immersive experiences.

Visual assets for visionOS apps

ASO for visionOS apps places a significant emphasis on visual elements due to the immersive nature of spatial computing. High-quality visuals that accurately represent the app’s functionality are essential for attracting and engaging users.

visionOS icons and screenshot sizes

visionOS icons: tips and trends

Here, we’ll outline key principles to guide you in designing icons that signal optimization for visionOS devices.

To design a captivating visionOS icon, stick to these rules:

• Outdated icons could deter users, so it’s essential to update them to highlight relevance and optimization for the platform.
• Consider creating new icons if your current ones don’t fit the new creative requirements of the visionOS App Store.
• Optimize your app icons for the round shape used on the home screen of visionOS devices.
• Ensure your icons are clear and visually appealing, signaling to users that your app is optimized for visionOS.
• Go for designs with the message of vastness, open space, wonder, movie-like experience, depth, and immersiveness. 
• Run A/B tests with SplitMetrics Optimize to ensure your icon performs well.

By following these recommendations, you can create icons that not only attract users but also convey the immersive experience your app offers.

visionOS screenshots and video previews: tips and trends

Your screenshots and video previews must showcase what the app is about. 

Here’s our recommendations for creating these assets: 

• Use screenshots and app preview videos that are directly screen-grabbed or recorded from the Apple Vision Pro device to convey an authentic experience.
• Focus on creating high-quality, authentic assets that showcase your app effectively.
• Keep in mind that functional purpose is key for visionOS creative assets, as opposed to heavily branded and promotional content. Include informative captions with a clear CTA.
• If your app relies heavily on hands, specific gestures or motion, consider including them in the screenshots or previews to accurately represent the user experience.
• Emphasize your value proposition in the first screenshots.
• Consider adding users reviews/awards/any other social proof to one of the screenshots to build trust with your audience.
• Don’t overstuff your screenshots.
• Explore best practices and ASO trends for your category. SplitMetrics’ ASO Benchmarks Report can be pretty helpful here.
• According to our research, video previews perform better when they’re about 30 seconds long.

By following these guidelines, you can optimize your app’s visibility and appeal on the visionOS App Store, encouraging downloads.

The bottom line

The visionOS App Store is where you’ll find apps optimized for the immersive experience of Apple Vision Pro devices. As an app marketer, you should ensure your app shines in this unique environment. 

Craft a concise yet compelling app description that highlights its standout features in the realm of spatial technology. Additionally, pay close attention to your app’s visual assets, such as icons and screenshots, ensuring they effectively showcase its capabilities. And if you need help with creating great visuals or optimizing your app’s metadata for the visionOS App Store, contact our SplitMetrics Agency for help.