Meta's Big Move: From App Lab to Horizon Store
In August 2024, Meta is officially sunsetting App Lab as a standalone category and migrating all its content to the Meta Horizon Store. This strategic change marks a new era for VR developers and users, promising greater discoverability but also introducing new challenges. Whether you're a developer preparing your app for transition or a gamer eager to discover new experiences, here's what you need to know.
Why This Matters
Previously, App Lab apps lived in a semi-hidden corner of the Meta ecosystem. They weren’t easily searchable in the Quest Store unless users had a direct link. This kept many promising VR experiences from being discovered. Now, with this migration, all App Lab content will become part of the main Horizon Store—making them much more visible to users browsing or searching within the ecosystem.
But this change is not just cosmetic. Meta is requiring all migrated apps to pass Virtual Reality Checks (VRCs)—a set of standards for performance, comfort, privacy, and user experience. That means quality expectations are rising, and developers must up their game.
The Pros: More Discoverability, More Opportunity
One of the biggest complaints about App Lab has always been discoverability. Developers poured passion and creativity into their projects, only for them to be buried unless they self-promoted. Now, these apps will live beside high-profile releases on the Horizon Store, potentially opening the floodgates for a broader audience.
This is especially great news for indie developers. It levels the playing field: no longer do you need a big studio or publisher backing to be found. If your app meets the VRC standards and offers something valuable, it has a fair shot at success.
At Maecker, we see this as a win for the entire VR community. Our products—like our Battery Headstrap for Meta Quest 3/3S—are built to support extended gameplay, helping users make the most of their favorite VR titles, including those formerly hidden gems from App Lab. As more diverse content becomes visible, accessories that boost comfort, power, and control become even more essential.
The Cons: A Higher Bar and More Complexity
However, the transition isn't without drawbacks. Developers must now meet stricter standards, update metadata, and create high-quality assets like trailers, screenshots, and category tags. These tasks demand time, budget, and sometimes, outside help.
Another concern is store clutter. As all App Lab apps flood the Horizon Store, quality control becomes harder. While Meta’s VRC requirements help, users might still struggle to sift through the volume to find what they truly want. There’s also the fear that indie apps may get lost in a sea of larger, better-funded titles.
Still, developers can mitigate this by tagging apps as "Early Access," which signals to users that the app is still evolving. It’s a smart move to retain visibility while continuing development.
If you’re a developer, here are a few things you should do before the August 5 deadline:
- Pass All VRC Requirements: Make sure your app is optimized for performance, doesn’t cause nausea, and respects user privacy.
- Update Your Store Assets: Include a polished title, clear description, professional screenshots, and a trailer if possible.
- Add Proper Metadata: This includes tags, comfort ratings, categories, and supported input types.
- Decide on Visibility: Choose between public launch, Early Access, or private testing via Release Channels.
Getting this right is critical—not just for launch, but for long-term user retention and review scores.
What This Means for Gamers
If you’re a VR gamer, get ready for an explosion of content. From experimental indie titles to polished future hits, the Horizon Store is about to get much more interesting. However, keep in mind that not every app will be polished to perfection. Looking for Early Access tags and reading reviews will become even more important.
This is also the time to invest in hardware that enhances your VR experience. At Maecker, we design accessories that elevate immersion—whether it’s a headstrap that balances your headset, controller grips for better precision, or infrared lights that expand your tracking space. With more apps on the way, a better setup equals a better time.
A Step Toward a Richer VR Ecosystem
Meta’s shift from App Lab to Horizon Store is more than a backend update—it’s a signal that the VR ecosystem is maturing. Developers now have a clearer path to success, and users gain access to a broader variety of content. But with greater exposure comes greater responsibility.
For developers, it’s time to refine your apps and ensure they’re ready to compete. For users, this is a golden opportunity to discover and support the next big thing in VR. And for companies like Maecker, this evolution only confirms what we've always believed: immersive content deserves equally immersive hardware.
Final Thoughts
As the lines between experimental and mainstream content blur, the VR landscape is poised for incredible growth. The App Lab migration is just the beginning. Let’s embrace it—with better tools, better content, and better ways to play.
Looking to level up your VR experience? Explore Maecker’s full range of Meta Quest accessories designed to power up your gameplay and comfort.
