Skip to main content

Developers behind F1 app ‘Lapz’ for Vision Pro forced to remove it from TestFlight

Compared to the iPhone and iPad, Apple Vision Pro has a limited number of apps available in the App Store. Even so, developers have been exploring the device’s capabilities with different projects, one of which is the Formula 1 app “Lapz.” Unfortunately, the app may not even make it to the App Store.

Developers create F1 app for Vision Pro, but…

For those unfamiliar, Lapz is an app that lets Apple Vision Pro users watch F1 races on a virtual big screen while also being able to see the position of the drivers on a floating 3D model. The app was based on a concept video made by VFX artist John LePore to show what Vision Pro is capable of.

Lapz has been distributed via TestFlight, as the developers still want to improve the app before making it available to everyone. Even so, the app has gotten a lot of attention since the beta version was released. However, as reported by UploadVR, the dream seems to be over – or at least put on hold.

That’s because the developers have been asked to pull the app from TestFlight. Not by Apple, but by Formula One Group. The most likely reason is the unlicensed use of F1 content and branding – even though the app uses web views to let users log in to the official F1TV stream.

The team behind Lapz say they’re working on “securing a digital license” to get the app working again. But for now, Lapz has been removed from TestFlight and current users will no longer have access to the app after February 8 when the current build will expire. The developers say they plan to license the app to other motorsport groups if they don’t reach a deal with Formula One Group.

Although Formula One Group has the right to ask for the app to be removed, it’s unfortunate that Vision Pro owners will lose another option for streaming content on the headset. Last month, the popular YouTube client “Juno” for Vision Pro was removed from the App Store after a request from Google.

It’s worth noting that neither F1 nor YouTube have official apps for visionOS.

Read also

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Filipe Espósito Filipe Espósito

Filipe Espósito is a Brazilian tech Journalist who started covering Apple news on iHelp BR with some exclusive scoops — including the reveal of the new Apple Watch Series 5 models in titanium and ceramic. He joined 9to5Mac to share even more tech news around the world.

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications