The popular Lapz app by Vision Pro is suspended following a complaint from F1.
The future of Lapz is uncertain.
Lapz, the app for Apple Vision Pro that allows users to experience Formula One races in mixed reality, has paused its development following a request from F1 to cease using its content. In a statement shared on its Discord channel, Lapz announced that it has halted distribution through TestFlight while seeking "licensing opportunities with various racing leagues and technology partners."
In the message, it is mentioned that "F1® has respectfully requested that we stop using its F1®TV broadcasting rights on our platform for the time being, while we continue to advance our roadmap and improve the beta experience." The app, which started as a conceptual video by designer John LePore, attracted public attention, leading LePore to collaborate with a team of developers to launch a preliminary version of the app on TestFlight in July.
Lapz uses web views to display races on a virtual screen and allows F1 fans to track each driver’s position on a three-dimensional map. Although the app is free, users must link their F1 Pro subscription to access its features.
It is still unclear what the future holds for Lapz, as it remains uncertain whether it will continue to focus on F1 or allow viewing of other motorsports. In a response on Discord, Lapz warned that if their dispute with F1 is not resolved, Apple "may be forced to close our TestFlight."