At WWDC 2024 in Cupertino, Apple announced updates to visionOS, the operating system that runs on the Vision Pro.
The upgraded visionOS (visionOS 2) brings productivity improvements and, as Apple describes it, “new immersive experiences.” One of them is that it leverages AI and machine learning technology to turn your photos into interactive experiences, “spatializing” your photos from normal photos. Another is new navigation options. With visionOS 2, you can switch to the home screen with just a tap, or flip your hand to bring up the control center and access notifications, shortcuts, and more.
visionOS 2 adds train support to Vision Pro's Travel Mode feature, and Apple says that later this year the Mac's Virtual Display feature (as well as mouse pairing support) will bring even greater display resolution and size improvements, allowing Vision Pro users to see content on a connected Mac in an immersive desktop view.
Image credit: Apple
visionOS 2 also makes it easier for developers to write apps for Vision Pro — Apple says there are about 2,000 native apps on Vision Pro to date — and there's a new volumetric API that lets you run two apps simultaneously, a new development kit, TabletopKit, for flat-surface games (such as board games), and new enterprise APIs.
In related news, Apple announced that Apple Immersive Video, its 180-degree 8K video format for Vision Pro, is gaining new content partners: Red Bull is producing a sports series, and Apple will also produce new scripted films. Apple is also working with partners such as Canon and BlackMagic to further integrate hardware and workflows for capturing and creating immersive programming, the company said.
visionOS 2 will be available as a free update for Vision Pro in the second half of 2024.