In the waning hours of 3DXW25, the SolidWorks annual user conference, Gian Paulo Bassi announced a partnership with Apple. It was billed as “a combination of two great brands.”
“Dassault Systèmes has partnered with Apple to integrate the Vision Pro natively into the Gen 7 solutions, and it is going to be available to all SolidWorks users. How amazing is that?” said Bassi.
This partnership will result in the “3DLive” app, expected in the summer of 2025, enabling engineers and designers to collaborate on 3D models in real time, thereby streamlining design and maintenance processes.
What does this mean?
Gen 7 refers to Dassault Systèmes’ 3D UNIV+RSES, the 7th generation of design software created over the company’s history, going back over 40 years. From the company site. “This new architecture integrates multiple generative AI technologies into global Intellectual Property Lifecycle Management (IPLM), powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. It enables clients to fully leverage their extensive 3D design assets, virtual twins, and PLM data within a unified digital environment. This facilitates the creation of generative experiences, virtual companions, and intelligent Virtual Twin Experience as a Service (VTaaS), all while ensuring the protection of customer intellectual property.”
Ordinarily, such a partnership would be followed up with a go-see-for-yourselves, inviting the audience to the show floor for demos. But by the time of this announcement, the show floor was already closed. Previous to this, we did not see any Vision Pros in the “Playground,” as the exhibit floor was called, in multiple trips.
The Vision Pro may be undergoing somewhat of a revival. Introduced in February 2024, the Vision Pro encountered disappointing sales and Apple stopped production of further units in February 2025. It is, after all, $3500 eyewear, one of Apple’s most expensive products. The Verge announced “notable developments” that will “continue to enhance the device’s capabilities.”
In April 2025, Apple plans to release visionOS 2.4, introducing Apple Intelligence features such as Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Genmoji. These additions aim to elevate user productivity and creativity within the spatial computing environment. The update will also include a more user-friendly Guest Mode and the new Spatial Gallery app, offering curated spatial content to showcase the Vision Pro’s capabilities.
Where have we seen this?
Shapr3D, the upstart MCAD company from Hungary, was the first to jump on Apple’s Vision Pro last year, no doubt hoping that Apple would finally bring a 3D immersive environment to CAD users and, in the process, give Shapr3D a competitive advantage. However, any uptick in the adoption of Shapr3D due to the integration of Apple’s Vision Pro is not forthcoming.
Yes, Dassault Systèmes’ move to integrate its industrial 3D software with Apple’s Vision Pro is similar to how Google Glass transitioned from a consumer product to an enterprise tool.
Remember Google’s smart glasses?
Apple’s disappointing acceptance with consumers and pivot to the industry is reminiscent of what Google went through with Google Glass. Google had initially targeted the consumer market but faced challenges due to privacy concerns, limited use cases, and high costs. Eventually, it found success in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, where hands-free augmented reality (AR) provided real value.
Similarly, Apple’s Vision Pro launched as a high-end mixed reality headset for consumers but has struggled with mainstream adoption due to its price and limited applications. By partnering with Dassault Systèmes, Apple is positioning Vision Pro as a tool for industrial design, engineering, and collaboration—similar to how Google Glass evolved into an enterprise-focused device.