Image Source: Apple
Apple announced the Vision Pro headset’s release date for new international markets (yes including our sunny island) at its WWDC event this morning, along with a slew of updates for the next versions of iOS, macOS, tvOS and perhaps a tad surprisingly, visionOS too. The tech giant says that the upcoming version, visionOS 2, will come with new enhancements that aim to improve the headset’s quality of life.
One of the standout features of visionOS 2 is its ability to turn ordinary photos into spatial photos. By leveraging advanced AI and machine learning technologies, standard photos can be transformed into interactive experiences. I’m not sure if this changes the way we can enjoy browsing our photos but take a look at the video below and judge for yourself.
The update also introduces a new way to navigate the Vision Pro interface. With visionOS 2, there will be new gestures to help provide quick and easy access to frequently used features such as Home View and Control Center. You can now also rearrange apps and place them wherever you want, a feature that was oddly missing at launch.
Image Source: Apple
Perhaps the most significant update, especially for those intending to use the Vision Pro for productivity work, is a new ultrawide virtual display feature. According to Apple, visionOS 2 will allow you to connect the headset to a Mac to generate a virtual display that is equivalent to the size of two curved ultrawide displays and running at 4K. That’s going to give you a lot of virtual real estate to pull out your decks and sheets.
Image Source: Apple
You’ll also be pleased to know that visionOS 2 will add mouse support to the Vision Pro, which again, was oddly left out at launch – it’s odd because the headset could work with trackpads like the Magic Trackpad 2 but not mice. Apple also says that headset will now “reveal the user’s physical keyboard” too, which is great if you enjoy working within the virtual space but find pawing around to find your keyboard a hassle.
Image Source: Canon
For developers, visionOS 2 will bring with it several new tools and features designed to simplify app creation for the Vision Pro including new volumetric APIs that will support running two apps simultaneously. Additionally, a new developer kit called TabletopKit will be introduced for creating games on flat surfaces, for instance, a virtual chess game. Apple also announced off a couple of key third-party collaborations, including one from Blackmagic Design’s “first-ever commercially available camera system” that supports Immersive Video creations. Canon will also be releasing a new spatial lens for the EOS R7, designed just for shooting immersive videos for the Vision Pro.
Apple has not announced a release date for visionOS 2, but it is expected to be rolled out as a free update later this year.
More Updates from WWDC 2024:
- Apple Vision Pro will launch in Singapore on 28 June
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 audio feature upgrades incoming
- Apple Intelligence, the company's new cross-device AI system, is coming soon
- Apple iPadOS 18 key updates from WWDC
- Apple tvOS 18 key updates from WWDC
- All about the new Apple macOS Sequoia
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