Apple unveiled visionOS 26 at WWDC 2025, marking a significant update to the software that powers the Apple Vision Pro headset.
From customizable spatial widgets and lifelike digital Personas to shared experiences and PlayStation VR2 controller support, visionOS 26 refines and expands what the Vision Pro can do, aiming to enhance productivity, entertainment, and collaboration in spatial computing.
“Apple Vision Pro has defined what’s possible in this new era of spatial computing, and with visionOS 26, we’re excited to push the boundaries even further,” said Mike Rockwell, Apple’s vice president of the Vision Products Group. “With brand-new ways for Vision Pro owners to connect, explore, work together, and enjoy content, we’re incredibly excited for users to enjoy features like apps and widgets that they can arrange in their spaces, spatial scenes that offer a brand-new viewing experience for their photos, and dramatically enhanced Personas on Vision Pro.”
Spatial widgets
Widgets are no longer confined to flat screens. In visionOS 26, they become spatial objects you can place anywhere in your physical space, whether it’s a clock on your wall or a photo window.
These widgets support apps like Clock, Weather, Music, and Photos and are customizable in frame, color, and depth. Plus, developers can build third-party spatial widgets with the updated WidgetKit.
Improved Personas
The digital avatars used in video calls get a significant upgrade. Personas now have sharper, more natural features, including detailed hair, lashes, and complexions. They support full side profiles and offer over 1,000 glasses options. Setup is easier, with a live preview of your Persona’s spatial look.
AI-powered Spatial Scenes
Photos gain depth and realism with generative AI and computational depth mapping, allowing users to lean in and see multiple perspectives. Spatial Scenes appear in the Photos, Spatial Gallery, and Safari apps, enhancing immersive viewing. Zillow is already using this API for richer property visualizations.
Shared spatial experiences
Multiple Vision Pro users can now share experiences in the same room, whether watching 3D movies, playing games, or working on projects together. Remote participants can join via FaceTime. Dassault Systèmes’ 3DLive app enables real-time 3D design visualization both in person and remotely.
Gaming and browsing improvements
visionOS 26 supports PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, adding six degrees of freedom, finger touch detection, and vibration feedback to Vision Pro gaming. Safari introduces spatial browsing, where websites can embed interactive 3D models and spatial scenes, creating a new level of immersion on the web.
Expanded media support
The OS now natively plays 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide field-of-view videos from popular cameras like Insta360, GoPro, and Canon, providing more immersive video playback without third-party apps.
Enterprise features and security
New enterprise APIs allow team device sharing with synced individual settings via iPhone. The Protected Content API secures sensitive data, and support for accessories like Logitech Muse enables precise input. Users can unlock their iPhones and relay calls directly from Vision Pro, streamlining workflow.
Eye tracking and Control Center updates
“Look to Scroll” lets users scroll through apps and web pages with just their eyes, improving hands-free navigation. The redesigned Control Center groups Focus modes, Guest User, and Travel Mode for easier access.
Availability
visionOS 26 is in developer beta now, with a public beta expected next month and full release planned for fall 2025.
