Apple WWDC 2025: What To Look Out For In The New visionOS 26 For Apple Vision Pro
Users can now share spatial experiences with others in the same room, allowing them to watch movies, play games, or work together in a shared virtual space.
Apple unveiled the Vision OS 26, the operating system for its Apple Vision Pro spatial computer headset.
One of the major features introduced for the OS was 'spatial widgets', which are meant to seamlessly integrate into the wearer's virtual on-screen environment. Widgets are customisable with options for frame, width and colour.
Users can customise their spaces with favourite widgets like panoramas and spatial photos, unique clocks, and quick access to Apple Music playlists. The Widgets app lets users find and use widgets, including those from iPhone and iPad apps. Developers can also build new widgets with WidgetKit.
Users can now share spatial experiences with others in the same room, allowing them to watch movies, play games, or work together in a shared virtual space. This also extends to remote participants via FaceTime. Dassault Systèmes is already using this for their 3DLive app, enabling shared viewing of 3D designs.
Personas, a user's digital representation, are greatly improved in visionOS 26. Thanks to advanced technology, they now look more natural and expressive, with better detail in hair and complexion, and even offer a full side profile.
Spatial photos become incredibly lifelike with "Spatial Scenes", which use AI to add depth and multiple perspectives, making it feel like you can lean into the photo. Users can view these in Photos, Spatial Gallery, and Safari, and developers can integrate them into their apps (like Zillow for immersive home viewing).
Browsing, playing, and watching content are also enhanced. Safari offers "spatial browse", transforming articles, hiding distractions, and revealing immersive scenes as one scrolls.
Web developers can now embed 3D models directly into webpages. visionOS 26 also adds native support for 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide field-of-view videos from cameras like Insta360 and GoPro.
For gamers, the Vision Pro supports the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller, enabling more engaging gameplay with full motion tracking and haptic feedback.
The visionOS 26 introduced new features for businesses. Team device sharing simplifies managing shared Vision Pro devices.
Users can now securely save their eye and hand data, prescription, and accessibility settings to their iPhone, making it easy to use any shared Vision Pro. It also supports the Logitech Muse, a spatial accessory for precise input. A new Protected Content API is intended to help secure confidential materials, preventing unauthorised viewing or sharing.
Other improvements include more Apple Intelligence features (like Image Playground updates), support for new languages, "Look to Scroll" for eye-based navigation, and a redesigned Control Centre for easier access to settings.
There is now the ability to unlock an iPhone while wearing Vision Pro and answer or initiate phone calls directly from a Vision Pro.
