Even though Apple Vision Pro still has not launched in most countries, Apple continues undeterred to iterate the software, visionOS, with rumors of a cheaper headset circulating.
In line with tvOS 26, visionOS jumps directly to version 26, which is meant to indicate the year.
visionOS is Apple's sixth operating system after macOS, iOS, tvOS, watchOS and iPadOS. The operating system is what Apple calls 'spatial computing', which blends virtual experiences with reality in the Apple Vision Pro headset, reminiscent of science fiction.
Also read: First look at Apple Vision Pro: A video revolution
What's new in visionOS 26
visionOS is optimized for eye and hand control, but with visionOS 26, Apple expands support for spatial controllers, specifically Sony's PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers for gaming and a new Logitech Muse pen for drawing in three dimensions.
Sony's PlayStation VR2 controllers are supported in visionOS 26
Hand tracking accuracy increases to 90Hz.
- "visionOS 26 also adds support for 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide field-of-view content from Insta360, GoPro, and Canon, while new enterprise APIs allow organizations to create spatial experiences unique to visionOS. And with support for PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, players can enjoy a new class of games on Apple Vision Pro," said Apple.
180, 360 and Wide FoV videos are now officially supported in visionOS for Apple Vision Pro
Here's a short demo
The expansion of 180-degree and 360-degree video support is in addition to Apple's own impressive video format called 'Apple Immersive Video', which is used for movies, TV series and documentaries on Apple TV+.
Another interesting new feature is Spatial Scenes, where an AI algorithm is used to compute depth and perspective in spatial photos, allowing the user to lean in and look around.
Spatial Scenes
Shared experiences, Jupiter, widgets
visionOS 26 adds what Apple calls spatial widgets. This means you can place, for example, virtual clocks, calendars, photo frames or music players on your walls at home while wearing Apple Vision Pro.
The widget stays where you placed it, now and in the future. It is the first step toward home decoration through 'augmented reality'.
With visionOS 26, you can place widgets around the home – and they stay there
Another new feature is that shared experiences are now supported for movies, series and games. This means that two people in the same room, both wearing Apple Vision Pro, can watch the same movie and experience that the other person is sitting next to them even in the virtual world.
The only problem? You will need to own two Apple Vision Pro units at around 3600 dollars each...
Shared viewing in Apple Vision Pro
- "Users love how visionOS lets them connect with family, friends, and colleagues remotely, and with visionOS 26, they can share spatial experiences with other Apple Vision Pro users in the same room. They can come together to watch the latest blockbuster movie in 3D, play a spatial game, or collaborate with coworkers. Users can also add remote participants from across the world via FaceTime, enabling connection with people near and far," explained Apple.
A new eye-scrolling feature makes it easier to scroll through lists in visionOS.
There is also a new Jupiter environment, so you can now watch movies or work from one of Jupiter's moons.
visionOS 26 will be released this fall as a free update for Apple Vision Pro. Rumor has it that Apple is working on a cheaper headset, but it is currently unclear what is coming. Apple did not comment on expanded availability of the Apple Vision Pro headset.
visionOS 26 – new features
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