Restoration and USB-C: The developer strap for the Vision Pro arrives in Germany

Like Apple’s lens for Zeiss’s Vision Pro, it’s arriving now Additional accessories for the headset to Germany. This applies, for example, to Apple’s Vision Pro travel bag, Belkin’s battery cases, extra batteries for glasses, padding or the two headbands in various sizes including the Solo Loop and the Dual Loop Light Seal. But special hardware is now also available: the so-called developer strap, in German: Developer Band. However, certain requirements must be met for this to happen.

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What Developer Tape Can Do

With the Developer Strap, also known as the Dev Strap, you can repurpose the USB-C port on the Vision Pro. By default, the headset can only be addressed wirelessly. The only cable hanging from it is that of the power supply. The battery pack itself has a USB-C port, but it is not used for data traffic, but only for charging (or direct energy supply during operation). For example, if you work with the beta of VisionOS, you cannot remove it or return the device to its original state. This is only possible with a connected Mac and Dev Strap.

There are also other special functions. This includes the option to route Ethernet directly to the Vision Pro, which is possible via USB 2.0 in full duplex at 100 Mbps. Power is not provided via the developer belt. Transferring files via tape is also faster and mobile device management (MDM) is supposed to be easier. There is also a more stable Mac virtual display mode. Although it usually runs smoothly over WLAN, you can avoid any router and wireless vulnerabilities by using a cable. In addition, the Dev Strap in combination with the Xcode tools allows simplified (because more stable) testing of graphics-intensive apps.

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This is how you get the Dev Strap

Unfortunately, as the name suggests, Apple only sells developer straps to developers. Previously you had to buy it next to A paid developer account (Apple Developer Program, $99 per year) also has a US address. Now you just need paid developer access (can also be an enterprise account) and the address of the country where the Vision Pro will be sold from July 12. In Europe, these include not only Germany but also France and Great Britain, Austria and Switzerland.

If your developer account meets these requirements, you are good to go Via this link in the order area. After entering your account details, you will know if you are authorized to make the purchase. The developer band is not cheap: in this country, Apple will want 329 euros (US price without tax: 299 dollars). In any case, delivery will take place after July 12, but the order window is currently extended from 15 to 16 July.

(B.Sc.)