Apple unveils visionOS 26 for Apple Vision Pro
Apple has unveiled visionOS 26 for its Apple Vision Pro (AVP) augmented reality headset at WWDC 25, with new and upgraded features to increase the convenience of working and enjoying life within a virtual 3D world. visionOS 26 is available today as a developer preview and is scheduled to launch this fall.
Users can now unlock iPhones and make calls while wearing the AVP by using the People View contact list. For virtual FaceTime calls, avatars called Personas are now rendered in greater fidelity, with more realistic hair and skin that always looks good during calls even if the user has just woken up.
Widgets can be created using the WidgetKit by developers, then placed within virtual 3D space by users, with customizable depth, frame color, and width, thanks to enhanced volumetric APIs. These widgets can display information, music playlists, and even spatial photographs. Virtual objects created by apps can also be blocked from view by real-world objects using Environment Occlusion for increased extended reality realism.
The AVP can now display 360-degree photographs from cameras like the Insta360 (sold here on Amazon), allowing wearers to experience such footage immersively. The OS can use AI to re-image photos with depth information to create spatial scenes with a greater sense of 3D realism that can be viewed in supported apps that use the Spatial Scene API, including Photos, Spatial Gallery, and Safari. Webpages with 3D objects and spatial scenes can now be scrolled by eye control.
Users can annotate and manipulate the 3D world with added accessories support, including the Logitech Muse spatial pen and PlayStation VR2 Sense controller (sold here on Amazon). The VR2 controller enables 6 DoF motion tracking with haptic feedback. Compatibility with cheaper alternatives, such as the Wii Remote, has not been announced. Users without controllers can still manipulate the virtual world with upgraded 90 Hz hand tracking. Virtual experiences as well as individual 3D virtual objects can be shared with other AVP users using SharePlay apps.
New APIs, such as the Protected Content API, help corporations stop users from illegally copying documents and capturing screenshots without permission. For those with disabilities, improved visual and typing features make it easier to see the virtual world and interact with it. All users will also benefit from the integration of Apple Intelligence, although features specifics have not yet been announced.
