Apple has released visionOS 27 Beta 3 to developers, continuing to refine the next major software update for Apple Vision Pro ahead of its public beta. While this release doesn’t introduce many major consumer features, it expands Siri capabilities, improves Apple Intelligence experiences, introduces new developer APIs, and fixes numerous issues across RealityKit, Foundation Models, StoreKit, and SwiftUI.
Like the latest iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS betas, visionOS 27 Beta 3 focuses primarily on stability and polish. However, Apple continues to improve the platform’s spatial computing experience with refinements to Siri, immersive apps, Apple Intelligence, and developer frameworks.
Siri and Apple Intelligence Continue to Improve
One of the biggest user-facing additions in the visionOS 27 beta cycle is the new ability to activate Siri simply by looking at the Siri orb and speaking, giving Apple Vision Pro users another hands-free way to interact with the assistant without saying “Hey Siri” or “Siri.”
Apple is also continuing to refine Apple Intelligence across visionOS. Beta 3 includes improvements for App Intents, allowing developers to use attributed text when creating or updating notes, while the Calendar event deletion schema has been simplified.
The update also addresses several Foundation Models issues, including compiler warnings, runtime errors, and prompt handling, while Apple notes that Private Cloud Compute may still not function correctly in Simulator environments.
More Developer Features Arrive in visionOS 27 Beta 3
visionOS 27 Beta 3 introduces localized Background Assets, allowing apps to download only the language resources needed for each user. Apple has also deprecated On Demand Resources in favor of this newer system.
StoreKit gains several enhancements, including support for subscription Bundles and subscription Suites, new transaction types for volume purchases, improvements to offer code redemption, and additional APIs for Advanced Commerce.
SwiftUI also receives another significant update. AsyncImage now automatically caches downloaded images using standard HTTP caching, while the redesigned @State implementation reduces unnecessary object initialization. Apple has also introduced new document APIs, TabsPickerStyle, customizable text input borders, improved @ContentBuilder performance, and several enhancements for document-based apps.
Elsewhere, Apple has expanded UIKit state restoration APIs, introduced new Swift file system APIs, added VideoToolbox improvements for low-latency video processing, and continued refining spatial development tools.
visionOS 27 Beta 3 Bug Fixes
Apple has fixed a wide range of issues throughout the operating system, including:
- Multiple Foundation Models compiler and runtime bugs.
- Several RealityKit rendering issues affecting hover effects, portals, lighting, opacity rendering, shadow rendering, and material appearance.
- ARKit object tracking memory management improvements.
- Reality Composer Pro Preview now works correctly on visionOS.
- Metal rendering fixes for texture sampling.
- Numerous StoreKit Testing issues involving subscriptions, refunds, transaction updates, and offer code redemption.
- SwiftData deadlocks affecting
@Query. - SwiftUI fixes for file export dialogs, layout calculations, sheet and popover behavior, and
@State. - System framework fixes for the new Swift file system APIs.
Known Issues in visionOS 27 Beta 3
Apple continues to document a lengthy list of known issues affecting the latest beta.
Some Apple Intelligence reports for Home Intelligence may omit activity processed through Private Cloud Compute. Several Siri issues also remain, including problems with message sending, Maps responses, navigation requests, image generation, app-specific contacts, conversation history, and pinned Siri orbs after restarting the device.
Other known issues affect Mac Virtual Display reconnecting after wearing the headset, Spatial Personas during High Quality Recording, Genmoji and Image Playground panels, Screen Recording, Spatial Gallery, TestFlight apps launching into blank windows, RealityKit rendering, WebXR in Simulator, and WebKit rendering for 3D models.
Developers should also be aware of ongoing issues involving ARKit room tracking, RealityKit shadows, Spatial Accessories, Quick Look annotations, and various SwiftUI and StoreKit limitations.
Should You Install visionOS 27 Beta 3?
If you’re already testing visionOS 27, Beta 3 is a worthwhile update that improves Siri, Apple Intelligence, RealityKit, and overall system stability while introducing useful new APIs for developers.
For most Apple Vision Pro users, however, the update focuses more on refinements than headline features. Unless you’re actively developing or testing visionOS apps, waiting for the public beta remains the best choice.
