Here’s What’s Coming to the Vision Pro in visionOS 26
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It’s no secret that the Apple Vision Pro isn’t Apple’s best-selling device. Not only is it quite expensive for the average person, but many people also don’t yet find it very useful.
With that said, Apple has been trying to add many new features to its headset to make it more versatile for current and potential new users. And visionOS 26 is a great example of that. Although this software update won’t resolve all the issues with Apple’s headset, it’s a good starting point.
This year, visionOS 26 will bring many changes and improvements to the Apple Vision Pro, such as better widgets, more accurate personas, and gaming. Here are the major changes coming to visionOS 26.
visionOS 26 Introduces ‘Spatial’ Widgets
One of the first changes that Apple announced for visionOS 26 was the widgets. Now, widgets are more customizable, and they can even help decorate your digital space in a practical and creative way.
For starters, widgets are now highly customizable. You can change things like the color, width, and even depth. Moreover, you can customize the widget’s frame and render it in a different color.
Besides that change, you’ll be able to “pin” the widget anywhere in your digital space. The widget will stay right where you left it, so you know when to look when you want to see your favorite pictures or check the calendar. Additionally, it will allow you to decorate the digital version of your room uniquely.
As of right now, you’ll mostly find first-party widgets with this level of customization, but third-party developers will be able to create their own customizable widgets, which you’ll be able to find in Vision Pro’s Widgets app.
Your Digital Persona Is Getting Better
One of the features that the Apple Vison Pro is known for is its digital Personas. This is basically an avatar created based on your facial characteristics. They’re supposed to help you have a more human online interaction when you’re on a video call with friends or family.
However, for as long as the Apple Vision Pro has been a thing, Personas haven’t really looked human. Apple knows this, which is why the company is making your avatars better in visionOS 26.
This software update brings better avatars that are more accurate and look more like a human version of yourself. Besides the looks, the Personas should have more details and be more expressive when you’re using them.
Additionally, the setup process for your persona has changed slightly. Apple says that you can still create Personas in seconds, but now you’ll be able to customize things like glasses, and you’ll be able to adjust and preview how your persona looks spatially.
It’s Easier to Control Your iPhone With Your Apple Vision Pro
This is a really small change, but it’s one that Apple Vision Pro users will love. Apple confirmed that you’ll be able to unlock your iPhone even if you’re wearing your Apple Vision Pro, which will make things a whole lot easier.
For this feature, your iPhone must also have iOS 26 installed and support Face ID.
Additionally, you’ll also be able to take calls from your Apple Vision Pro. If you receive or want to make a call while wearing your Apple Vision Pro, you can quickly replay these calls from your iPhone.
Share Your Digital Space With Other Vision Pro Users
Thanks to visionOS 26, dinner dates just got a bit more immersive and probably more awkward, too. This software update brings a new way to interact with other Apple Vision Pro users in the same room. For instance, you’ll be able to watch the same movie together, play a game, or work together with a coworker.
visionOS 26 Introduces Spatial Scenes
A new feature coming to the Apple Vision Pro will bring any picture to life in a new way. Apple introduced spatial scenes, which utilize a new generative AI algorithm and computational depth to add realistic depth to your photos.
This will make all your spatial pictures more immersive and realistic. Plus, other developers can also use the Spatial Scene API to create more immersive images. For example, Apple confirmed that the Zillow Immersive app will utilize this feature to make the images of homes and apartments more immersive.
The Apple Vision Pro Is Better for Gaming Now
Thanks to visionOS 26, the Apple Vision Pro will be a better gaming headset than before. That’s because Apple’s headset will now support Sony’s PlayStation VR2 Sense Controllers.
This will make it easier to play different kinds of games on the Apple Vision Pro, and it will allow developers to create other types of games for the headset.
Of course, this change might be a bit too niche, as not everyone has both the Apple Vision Pro and the VR Sense Controllers at home. And if you want to buy a gaming headset, it will be better — and cheaper — to get a PS5 and PlayStation VR headset. However, it’s still a step in the right direction.
The Apple Vision Pro Is Getting a Stylus
Long gone are the days when Apple was against styluses. Now, even your Apple Vision Pro can have a stylus if you want.
Apple confirmed that visionOS 26 would add support for the Logitech Muse, a third-party accessory that basically lets you draw anywhere you want. You’ll be able to use this stylus to make inputs in your digital space, which should be helpful when working with other people on 3D projects, like when using the Spatial Analogue app.
visionOS 26 Makes the Apple Vision Pro Better
With visionOS 26, Apple introduced several changes that address some of the issues people disliked about the Apple Vision Pro. While the headset is far from perfect, these are some welcome changes that Vision Pro users will gladly accept.
The full version of visionOS 26 will be available later in the year, but you can already install the developer beta to try the new features yourself. Of course, it’s worth mentioning that betas are far from perfect, and if you don’t want to ruin your $4,000 gadget, we suggest you wait for the public version to be available.
