Unlocking the Potential of Apple Vision Pro: My DevRel Approach Revealed

As part of the ongoing DxMentorship Program(Cohort 4), I have been tasked with devising a strategy for approaching Developer Relations for a future/emerging technology industry or product.

Task Question: Find a future technology industry, choose a company or product in that space, and highlight the why, including the first steps on how you would approach doing DevRel for the said product/company.

For this article/task, I will be assuming the role of a devrel engineer for Apple’s Vision Pro. This article will cover the following:

• What is Future/Emerging Technology?

• Key areas of Future/Emerging technology

• Reasons why the Vision Pro needs a DevRel Specialist

• My motivation for doing DevRel for Apple Vision Pro

• Steps on how I would approach doing DevRel for Apple Vision Pro

• Metrics for Success

What is Future/Emerging Technology?

Future/Emerging technology refers to innovations that are in the early stages of development or adoption but have the potential to significantly impact industries, society, or daily life.

You can also think of it as technology that is just starting or known to just a handful of people but can make a big difference in the future.

Key Areas of Future/Emerging Technology

Some of the key areas of emerging technology today include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

• Quantum Computing

• Extended Reality (XR)

• Blockchain and Web3

• Edge Computing and 5G

• Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

• Autonomous Systems

• Cybersecurity Innovations

• Sustainable and Green Tech

• Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI)

Each of these areas is rapidly evolving and has the potential to reshape industries and how we interact with technology.

Why Apple Vision Pro Needs Developer Relations

Despite the Vision Pro being a great product, and the growing interest in spatial computing and Extented Reality(XR), there exist barriers to early entry to the field and early adoption for the product. Thus the need for a DevRel specialist to:

1. Drive Developer Adoption & Ecosystem Growth: The Apple Vision Pro introduces spatial computing, a new pattern that requires developers to rethink how they build apps. A DevRel can educate, onboard, and support developers in adopting visionOS, ARKit, and RealityKit, ensuring a growing ecosystem for Vision Pro.

2. Bridge the Gap Between Apple(the company) & Developers: With Vision Pro being a new category, developers need guidance, best practices, and direct support. A DevRel serves as the voice of the developer community, relaying feedback to Apple’s internal teams while also advocating Apple’s vision to developers.

3. Evangelize Spatial Computing & Create Awareness: Many developers and companies are still unsure how Vision Pro fits into their business or apps. A DevRel can create content, speak at events, and engage online to demystify spatial computing, showcasing real-world use cases and inspiring innovation in this new space.

Why Do DevRel for Apple’s Vision Pro?

The Vision Pro an amazing product from Apple is an emerging product under the Extended Reality(XR) category. XR is an umbrella term referring to all real and virtual combined environments and interactions generated by computer technology. It includes Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Virtual Reality (VR).

Aside from being on the list of big tech companies, Apple prides itself as one of the most influential companies in the tech ecosystem known for offering users a premium user experience, cutting-edge innovation in hardware, and a tightly integrated ecosystem of products while having a strong stance on user privacy and security.

Being a DevRel at Apple means bridging the gap between developers and cutting-edge technologies, helping shape the next generation of apps in spatial computing, AI, and beyond while being part of a global community that values quality, privacy, and innovation.

If I were to consider joining Apple as a DevRel, my motivation would be based or anchored on the following principles; belief, interest, risk, and money.

Belief: Shaping the Future of Technology

I believe in Apple’s vision of creating seamless, privacy-first, and innovative technologies that shape how people interact with the digital world. Apple has consistently redefined industries, from personal computing to mobile technology, and now spatial computing with Vision Pro. As a DevRel, I want to champion this vision, helping developers push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Interest: Passion for Cutting-Edge Tech & Developer Advocacy

As a person, I have a strong interest in emerging technologies like spatial computing, AI, and AR/VR, and Apple is leading in these areas with visionOS and Apple Silicon. My passion lies in bridging the gap between developers and these technologies, simplifying complex concepts, and enabling creators to build transformative experiences. Having the opportunity to join Apple as a DevRel allows me to work on groundbreaking tech while engaging with an active, passionate developer community.

Risk: Taking a Bet on the Future

Every major technological shift—whether mobile, cloud, or AI—required early adopters and evangelists to drive adoption. Apple Vision Pro and spatial computing represent a new frontier, and I see this as the perfect moment to take the calculated risk of becoming a pioneer in an emerging field. As a DevRel Engineer, I can position myself at the forefront of a paradigm shift, betting on a future where spatial interfaces revolutionize work, entertainment, and communication.

Money: Growth, Stability & High-Value Opportunities

Apple is one of the most valuable and stable tech companies, offering not just financial security but also opportunities for exponential career growth. The demand for spatial computing experts is set to rise in the coming years, and being an early DevRel in this space puts me in a high-value, high-impact position. Whether through Apple’s internal career pathways or the broader industry demand for XR specialists, this role offers a financially rewarding opportunity while allowing me to work on something truly meaningful and innovative.

Steps on How I Would Approach Doing DevRel for Apple Vision Pro

Developer Relations (DevRel) for Apple Vision Pro under the Extended Reality (XR) category requires a strategic approach that involves engaging with the developer community, creating valuable resources, and advocating for best practices in visionOS development. Here’s how I would approach doing DevRel for Apple Vision Pro:

1. Understand the Apple Vision Pro Ecosystem: Exploring Apple’s documentation to have a better understanding of the VisionOS APIs,ARKit, Developer guidelines and learn how spatial computing works.

2. Build and Share Development Resources: A key part of DevRel is making the development process easier for developers. Writting and publishing development resources or contents will help new developers get started quickly.

3. Engage with the Developer Community: Get involved in the Apple Vision Pro & XR developer ecosystem by joining Apple’s Developer Forums to answer questions, engaging in Vision Pro discussions on Reddit, X, and Discord, attending WWDC and XR conferences to network with developers, and hosting X Spaces, LinkedIn Lives, or YouTube streams on Vision Pro development.

4. Build Developer Advocacy Through Open-Source Contributions: Create an Open-Source Vision Pro project for developers to contribute to, connect and build amazing stuff like visionOs Ui component libraries to help other developers build amazing products faster.

5. Host Developer-Focused Events: Organize developer focused events like Hackathons, workshops and office hours to encourage hands on learning among developers, teach industry best practices,and help developers troubleshoot their problems live.

How to Measure Success Metrics in DevRel for Apple Vision Pro

To measure the impact of Developer Relations (DevRel) efforts for Apple Vision Pro, I will consider tracking these key success metrics:

1. Developer Adoption & Engagement

2. Community Growth & Contributions

3. Content Reach & Impact

4. Developer Support & Satisfaction

5. Business & Ecosystem Impact

Conclusion

As Apple Vision Pro pushes the boundaries of spatial computing, its success will not just be defined by its cutting-edge hardware or software, but by the developers who build transformative experiences on it. The role of Developer Relations (DevRel) is crucial in ensuring that developers feel supported, engaged, and empowered to explore this new tech landscape.

Ultimately, emerging technology thrives when vision meets adoption—innovation alone isn't enough; it needs a community to bring it to life.

If you’re as excited about spatial computing or Extended Reality as I am, let’s connect! I’d love to discuss the future of DevRel in this space and how we can make patial computing more accessible to developers.