visionOS 26 Now Available for Apple Vision Pro

Apple has released visionOS 26, the latest update for the Apple Vision Pro, bringing a number of significant enhancements to its spatial operating system. While it doesn't include a major visual overhaul, this update focuses on meaningful upgrades that improve the user experience.

Key New Features

Spatial Widgets:

Widgets can now be placed and pinned directly in your environment. Imagine having a weather widget by a window or a calendar floating over your desk. These widgets will stay exactly where you left them, even after you leave the room and return. Developers will also be able to create their own spatial widgets, expanding the possibilities beyond Apple's system apps.

Enhanced Personas:

The avatars used for communication have taken a major step forward. Personas in visionOS 26 are more realistic, with improved expressiveness and sharpness. This upgrade makes digital interactions feel more natural and lifelike.

Shared Experiences:

You can now share content with other Vision Pro users in the same physical space. This feature allows for collaborative activities like:

• Watching 3D movies together.
• Playing spatial games in a shared environment.
• Collaborating on projects within supported apps.

Spatial Scenes:

This is a groundbreaking new feature that uses a generative AI algorithm to add impressive depth to photos. Unlike a typical spatial photo, spatial scenes create a more immersive experience, making it feel like you can lean in and look around the picture. This feature also works in Safari and other apps, with companies like Zillow already leveraging it to provide realistic views of homes.

Other Notable Updates

visionOS 26 also includes a variety of other improvements, such as:

• Support for PS VR2 controllers for gaming.
• Logitech Muse support for spatial drawing.
• A stunning new Jupiter environment.
• Native playback for 180 and 360-degree videos.
• A redesigned Control Center for easier access to settings.
• The ability to relay phone calls from your iPhone.
• Folders for organizing apps in the home view.
• Expanded language support for Apple Intelligence.

A Note on Buying

If these new features have you considering a purchase, keep in mind that rumors suggest an updated Vision Pro model with a new M4 or M5 chip could be released in October. It may also come in a new Space Black color.