Apple unveils visionOS 26 with spatial widgets, shared 3D experiences, PlayStation VR2 support for Vision Pro

During the WWDC 2025 event, Apple introduced visionOS 26, the newest iteration of its mixed reality platform designed specifically for the Apple Vision Pro headset. This latest update is packed with innovative features aimed at enhancing user immersion, personalization, and collaborative capabilities in spatial computing. Key highlights of visionOS 26 include dynamic widgets that allow users to customize their virtual environments with elements like clocks, weather forecasts, and photo galleries. These widgets can be tailored in size, color, and depth, integrating seamlessly with both system and third-party iOS/iPadOS applications via WidgetKit. A major advancement in this update is the introduction of shared spatial experiences. This feature allows multiple users of the Vision Pro, present in the same physical location, to engage in activities such as watching 3D movies, collaborating on design applications, or playing spatial games together. Remote users can also participate via FaceTime, creating a hybrid spatial experience. Companies like Dassault Systèmes are already utilizing this functionality with their 3DLive app, enabling real-time collaborative design. The update also revamps Apple’s digital avatars, known as Personas. Enhancements include improved side profiles, more realistic hair and skin textures, and better facial expression rendering. Users can personalize their avatars with setup tools that allow for adjustments and a selection of over 1,000 virtual eyeglass designs. Another exciting feature is Spatial Scenes, powered by generative AI, which transforms standard photos into immersive environments. This allows users to explore different perspectives within their photos, making memories more vivid. For instance, Zillow plans to incorporate this technology in its Immersive app to provide 3D showcases of properties. Safari also gets a significant upgrade with Spatial Browsing, offering distraction-free reading experiences enriched with 3D models and responsive spatial scenes. Moreover, the update supports 180-degree and 360-degree content from popular brands like Insta360, GoPro, and Canon, enhancing the viewing experience for action footage. In a significant move for gamers, Apple Vision Pro now supports PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, enabling developers to create games that utilize advanced features such as six degrees of motion and haptic feedback, positioning the headset as a serious player in the immersive gaming arena. On the enterprise front, visionOS 26 introduces new APIs that prioritize security for sensitive data, allowing businesses to deploy shared devices while maintaining individual user preferences and settings. Additionally, Logitech’s Muse accessory has been introduced, providing enhanced spatial input for collaborative applications. Other noteworthy updates include expanded capabilities for Apple Intelligence, new navigation features using eye movement, a revamped Control Center, and improved integration with iPhones for calls. Developers can start accessing visionOS 26 immediately, with a public beta expected next month and a full launch anticipated later this year. Users should note that certain features may require specific settings and may vary based on regional laws and hardware compatibility.