Vision Pro Developer Accessory Developer Strap Hands-on Test

The Developer Strap is used to replace the audio band on the right side. The complete product is packaged in a small box similar to an Apple Watch case, and contains the Developer Headband, pop-up tools, and related documentation. There are a few notable differences in the Developer Strap compared to the audio strap it replaces. The most obvious difference is the addition of a USB-C input, thus allowing you to hook up your Apple Vision Pro directly to your Mac. VisionPro接到你的Mac。

A few days ago, 9to5mac shared an experience about this accessory:

Differences between Developer Strap and regular audio tape

There are some similarities between Audio Strap and Developer Strap, but at the same time there are key differences.

For newcomers, both can be described as audio tapes, as they both contain the same right-hand speaker with spatial audio capabilities.

两者最大的区别是，Developer Strap有一根延长线，而里面有一个USB-C端口用于将Apple Vision Pro直接接到Mac。

One of the very cool things about the Developer Strap is that the USB-C extension connection looks similar to the power cord you receive to the left audio strip. This provides a sense of symmetry when using the Developer Strap. Of course, there are two data cables leading out of both sides, which isn't ideal for long-term use.

Finally, the Developer Strap has more pins wired to the right side of the head unit. The stock right-side audio band feature has only 10 pins. In comparison, the Developer Strap has a total of 28 pins, thus greatly increasing its potential bandwidth.

What is Developer Strap for?

appleApple explains the primary use of Developer Strap: "Developer Strap is an optional accessory that provides USB-C connectivity between Apple Vision Pro and Mac, helping to accelerate the development of graphics-intensive applications and games."

Developer Strap同时允许开发者通过有线USB-C连接，并使用Reality Composer Pro从Apple Vision Pro捕获直接视频馈送。文件传输捕获的馈送发生通过直接USB-C连接。没有所述组件的用户依然可以捕获相关信息，但只能通过Wi-Fi。

Improve Mac virtual display stability

Another potential benefit is the improved stability of the Mac Virtual Display over a wired connection. In the experience of using the Mac Virtual Display over a direct Wi-Fi connection, you may sometimes notice a slight delay, especially when typing quickly or moving the cursor quickly.

When connecting the Developer Strap, you are establishing a 100Mbps Ethernet connection via USB. Based on testing, the latency seems to be largely eliminated.

Downgrade visionOS

You can also use recovery mode to restore visionOS, including downgrading from visionOS beta.

If you plug in your Mac with a USB-C cable and hold down the top button while booting the device, you'll notice that the Apple Vision Pro goes into recovery mode. Based on that alone, it may have been worth the price for select users.The Apple Watch never received such an accessory, so watchOS can't be downgraded.

How to enter recovery mode in Apple Vision Pro:

• Step 1: Disconnect the power cord.

• Step 2: Connect the USB-C cable from Developer Strap to your Mac.

• Step 3: Reconnect the power cord and immediately press and hold the top button until "Connect to Mac" appears on the front of the Apple Vision Pro display.

• Step 4: Launch Apple Configurator on a connected Mac and click "Action→Restore" to revert to the latest signed firmware. Alternatively, you can click Restore while holding down the Option key to select a specific IPSW to download to your Mac.

Of course, there may be other uses for this $300 accessory in the future.

What Developer Strap can't do

The Developer Strap can't be powered via a USB-C connection, so you'll still need to connect the power cable to the audio strip on the left.

So far, Developer Strap can't connect to mass storage devices like SSDs. This could be a valid reason, as it appears to be limited to USB 2.0 speeds based on macOS system information. Perhaps a future firmware update will upgrade it? We'll just have to wait and see.

How to Install Developer Strap

• Step 1: Install the Apple Vision Pro case, remove the Light Seal, headband, and place the device on a flat surface with the glass side of the case facing down.

• Step 2: Locate the ejector hole next to the audio band on the right side.

• Step 3: Insert the ejector tool that came with the Developer Strap into the ejector hole to pull out the audio tape.

• Step 4: Insert the Developer Strap into the interface and press firmly. Once inserted correctly, you should hear two clicks.

• Step 5: Reinstall Light Seal, headband, etc.

NOTE: If the LED does not light up when the power is turned back on, the audio tape may not be installed correctly.

summarize

If you're not a developer, it's hard to recommend Developer Strap because it basically costs $400 when you add the $99 Apple Developer Program Fee. Sure, it offers some useful features, but they're fairly limited, mostly because it doesn't allow you to interface with an external drive, only USB 2.0, and is limited to only 60 seconds of non-gaze point recording.

Hopefully, Apple will address the issues with a firmware update. However, if you're a developer, I hope you fully understand the features and drawbacks of this accessory before deciding whether or not to buy it. Having said that, being able to downgrade visionOS is a very important thing, and for that reason alone, it may already be worth the price of admission for select users.