Why Purchase a $300 Developer Strap for Vision Pro to Access Diagnostics Mode During Headset Malfunctions

Apple’s Vision Pro is finally available in the United States as the company celebrates its first step in the AR world. The headset features state-of-the-art hardware and software advancements that make the Vision Pro one of the leading products of its kind. However, it is too early to speculate as it remains to be seen how the industry responds to the device. While the Vision Pro comes with a handful of accessories, Apple is selling a dedicated strap to developers for diagnostics and software development.

In a code discovered by MacRumors, it was found that the company has an accessory that would make room for diagnostics and repair on the machine. Since the headset does not feature a port that would connect it to a computer, you have to buy a dedicated accessory to enter developer mode. The code was discovered in the diagnostics tools, and it detailed how the accessory would work with the Vision Pro.

Apple’s latest iOS 17.4 beta 1 also references the accessory as a developer tool with a model number of A2776. The accessory was originally speculated to be used by Apple employees in retail stores for malfunctioning Vision Pro units. It appears that the company has made the strap available for all developers. However, not everyone can get their hands on the accessory as it is oriented toward developers, according to John Gruber from the Daring Fireball. Developers must be logged into a paid Apple Developer Account in the U.S. to get the strap.

A portion of the Developer Strap looks exactly like the audio strap on the Vision Pro. However, it comes with an extended USB-C dongle that can be connected to a computer. According to Apple, the Developer Strap will accelerate “the development of graphics-intensive apps and games.” The strap will feature the same audio quality as the standard audio strap on the Vision Pro. We will share more details on the accessory as soon as further details are available.