# visionOS: Features, 2.0, Release Date, Apple Vision Pro, and More
visionOS is Apple’s revolutionary operating system tailored for its inaugural spatial computer, the Apple Vision Pro. Revealed during the WWDC 2023 keynote, visionOS serves as a fundamental aspect of Apple’s ambition for the future of augmented reality (AR) and spatial computing. Originally speculated to be named xrOS, Apple ultimately opted for the visionOS title, probably for branding reasons. Here’s all you need to know about visionOS, its functionalities, updates, and what lies ahead for this pioneering platform.
## visionOS 1.0 Features
As a ground-breaking operating system, visionOS establishes the groundwork for Apple’s spatial computing vision. The platform integrates flawlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, offering a novel method to engage with applications and entertainment within a 3D environment. Here are some of the core features introduced with visionOS 1.0:
### Apps Live in “Your Space” and a New App Store
visionOS incorporates familiar applications such as Apple TV, Music, Safari, Photos, Mail, Messages, and Keynote into your spatial surroundings. These apps are synchronized across your Apple devices via iCloud, ensuring seamless continuity across different platforms. The system also unveils a unique App Store for visionOS, showcasing applications crafted specifically for the spatial computing experience, alongside compatible iPad and iPhone apps.
### Immersive Entertainment
A standout feature of visionOS is its capability to deliver an engrossing entertainment experience. With the **Cinema Environment**, users can enjoy movies and TV shows in a virtual setting that emulates a 100-foot-wide screen, featuring Spatial Audio. Apple Vision Pro additionally supports **Apple Immersive Videos**, providing 180-degree 3D 8K recordings with Spatial Audio for an all-encompassing viewing experience.
### Spatial Videos and Photos
visionOS empowers users to take and enjoy **spatial videos and photos**, offering content with remarkable depth. This functionality is designed to evoke the feeling of reliving the moment. Starting with iOS 17.2, iPhone 15 Pro users can record spatial videos that can be experienced on the Apple Vision Pro.
### FaceTime and Collaboration
FaceTime on visionOS facilitates life-size video calls that expand within your environment as more participants join. The system also presents **Personas**, digital avatars representing users during FaceTime calls, capturing facial expressions and hand movements. Users can collaborate on documents in real-time and leverage **SharePlay** to enjoy shared activities while in a call.
### Mac Integration
visionOS integrates effortlessly with macOS, empowering users to bring their Mac into the Vision Pro environment using **Mac Virtual Display**. This feature transforms the Vision Pro into an expansive, private, portable 4K display. You can also connect the Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad as Bluetooth accessories with the Vision Pro.
## visionOS 1.1 Features
Launched on March 7, 2024, visionOS 1.1 introduced various enhancements and new functionalities:
– **Mobile Device Management (MDM):** Facilitates account-driven device and user enrollment utilizing Managed Apple IDs.
– **Messages:** Adds support for iMessage Contact Key Verification.
– **Accessibility:** Enhances closed captions and presents new options for users with disabilities.
– **Persona and EyeSight:** Refines the appearance of digital Personas, improving hair, makeup, and eye rendering.
– **Mac Virtual Display:** Boosts reliability and connectivity with Mac devices.
## visionOS 2.0 Features
Unveiled during WWDC 2024, visionOS 2.0 brought forth several new features geared towards improving user experience:
– **Spatial Photos:** Users can now revisit cherished memories by creating spatial photos directly from their library in the Photos app.
– **New Hand Gestures:** New gestures simplify entry to key functions like Home View and Control Center.
– **Home View Customization:** Users can rearrange apps and place them wherever desired, including iPhone and iPad apps.
– **Travel Mode for Trains:** Permits users to experience their favorite apps while traveling on trains.
– **Guest User Mode:** Allows family members or colleagues to access the Vision Pro as guest users, with their data retained for 30 days.
– **Apple TV App Multiview:** Users can stream up to five simultaneous feeds for an ultimate sports view experience.
– **Mindfulness App:** Introduces a new “Follow Your Breathing” feature, providing dynamic visual animations and sounds that react to the user’s breathing patterns.
## visionOS 2.1 and 2.2 Beta
visionOS 2.1, released on October 28, 2024, primarily concentrated on addressing bugs and implementing security patches. Some of the matters resolved include:
– Apple Music playback complications.
– Swift Charts not building in certain projects.
– Issues with renaming voice memos.
visionOS 2.2, currently in
