Apple is reportedly pushing the boundaries of spatial computing interaction with an eye-scrolling feature slated for the Vision Pro headset, set to debut in visionOS 3. The capability leverages the same sophisticated eye-tracking hardware already present in the Vision Pro, which currently allows users to select elements by simply looking at them and then confirming with a finger pinch.
With eye scrolling, the idea is to eliminate the need for that pinch gesture specifically for scrolling through content, offering a more hands-free experience for tasks like Browse webpages or reading documents. This rumored feature is expected to be a key highlight of visionOS 3, which Apple is widely anticipated to unveil at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), kicking off on June 9th.
The integration of eye scrolling isn’t confined to just Apple’s native applications on the Vision Pro. Reports indicate that the company is also developing the necessary tools and APIs to allow third-party developers to implement this new interaction method within their own software.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time eye-scrolling technology has surfaced in consumer tech. Samsung experimented with a similar feature on its smartphones several years ago, though it didn’t achieve widespread success. Apple itself introduced an eye-tracking accessibility feature for iPhone and iPad last year, enabling users with disabilities to control an on-screen pointer using their gaze.
This push for a more hands-free interaction comes in the wake of recent organizational changes within Apple. Last month, the team responsible for visionOS was restructured and combined with the Siri software team. This move followed reports of broader executive shuffles aimed at revitalizing the Siri platform. Mike Rockwell, who previously spearheaded the Vision Pro initiative, is now reportedly focused on overhauling Siri’s leadership. It remains to be seen how this restructuring will impact the development trajectories of both visionOS and Siri, but the timing aligns with Apple’s continued investment in the Vision Pro’s software capabilities.
Beyond visionOS 3, Apple’s roadmap for spatial computing appears to include further hardware iterations. Rumors suggest the development of a lighter, potentially more affordable version of the Vision Pro, as well as a model designed to tether to a Mac for applications demanding minimal latency. The tech giant is also reportedly exploring the smart glasses market, with both augmented reality and non-AR versions potentially on the horizon, hinting at a future where visionOS could extend beyond the current headset form factor.
(via Bloomberg)
