visionOS 26 Enhancements for Apple Vision Pro

At WWDC 2025, Apple revealed visionOS 26, the recent upgrade for its mixed reality headset, Apple Vision Pro. This new release introduces numerous features aimed at improving immersion, personalisation, and teamwork in spatial computing. With dynamic widgets, generative AI-enabled spatial photos, and native compatibility for 180- and 360-degree content, Apple is strengthening its dedication to making Vision Pro more adaptable for both everyday users and professionals.

Mike Rockwell, Apple’s vice president of the Vision Products Group, shared that the Apple Vision Pro has set new benchmarks in the realm of spatial computing. He expressed enthusiasm about pushing boundaries with visionOS 26, highlighting new opportunities for Vision Pro users to connect, discover, collaborate, and enjoy diverse content. Features such as arrangement-capable apps and widgets, immersive spatial scenes for photos, and significantly enhanced Personas mark exciting advancements.

Widgets That Live in Your Space

With visionOS 26, users can enhance their surroundings with widgets like clocks, weather updates, playlists, and photo galleries that persist whenever they wear the Vision Pro. These widgets can be fully tailored in size, colour, and depth, integrating both system and third-party iOS/iPadOS applications using WidgetKit.

Shared 3D Experiences in the Same Room

One of the standout updates is the introduction of shared spatial experiences, enabling multiple Vision Pro users to enjoy 3D movies, collaborate on design applications, or engage in spatial gaming together within the same physical environment. For those participating remotely, FaceTime integration ensures hybrid spatial environments. Dassault Systèmes is among the first to utilise this feature with their 3DLive app, supporting real-time collaborative design locally and remotely.

Personas Get a Major Visual Upgrade

The update significantly improves Personas, Apple’s digital avatars for Vision Pro. This includes full side profiles, enhanced hair and complexion rendering, and more lifelike facial expressions. New setup features allow users to preview and customise their avatars, including selecting from a library of over 1,000 virtual eyeglass designs.

Photos Come Alive with Generative AI

visionOS 26 presents Spatial Scenes, a feature using generative AI to transform standard photos into immersive, multi-perspective environments. Users can explore various viewpoints within these photos, bringing cherished memories to life. For example, Zillow is incorporating this feature in its Immersive app to present homes and apartments in 3D.

Safari Goes Spatial, Video Expands in Every Direction

In Safari, Spatial Browsing converts articles into distraction-free reading experiences, featuring embedded 3D models and spatial scenes that respond to scrolling. visionOS 26 now also includes native support for 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide field-of-view content from brands like Insta360, GoPro, and Canon, enabling users to view their action footage in a truly immersive format.

PlayStation VR2 Compatibility Brings Serious Gaming Potential

For the first time, Apple Vision Pro supports PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, allowing developers to create gaming experiences featuring six degrees of motion, finger touch recognition, and haptic feedback. This advancement positions the headset as a strong contender in the immersive gaming sector.

Enterprise Tools and Logitech Muse Support

visionOS 26 also integrates new enterprise APIs, such as Protected Content for sensitive information like medical records and business forecasts. Companies can now deploy shared devices while allowing employees to maintain their preferences, hand-tracking data, and accessibility settings. Additionally, Logitech’s Muse accessory makes its debut, providing precise spatial input and innovative interaction models for collaborative applications.

Other Notable Updates

• Apple Intelligence sees expansion with enhanced Image Playground features and language support, including French, German, Japanese, and Korean.
• Look to Scroll enables users to navigate apps and web pages using just their eyes, with adjustable scroll speed.
• A redesigned Control Center centralises tools like Guest User, Focus Mode, and Environment settings.
• Vision Pro users can unlock their iPhones while fully immersed in a virtual scenario.
• Support for relaying calls from iPhone allows users to answer or initiate calls directly from Vision Pro.
• A refreshed Home View enables folder creation and improved app organisation.

Availability

visionOS 26 is available to developers starting today, with a public beta set for next month. The complete rollout is anticipated later this year. Features of Apple Intelligence require Vision Pro operating on visionOS 26, along with compatible settings and supported languages. Regional availability may be subject to local laws and hardware compatibility.