This week, Apple revealed visionOS 26, which brings forth spatial widgets—customizable, three-dimensional features that users can attach to their environment while using the Apple Vision Pro headset. These widgets encompass choices for Batteries, Calendar, Clock, Music, News, Notes, Photos, Podcasts, Reminders, Stocks, and Weather, aimed at boosting productivity and delivering glanceable data.
The launch of spatial widgets may also suggest Apple’s intentions regarding a long-speculated smart home device, potentially called HomePad. This gadget is believed to be a wall-mounted or dockable tablet focused on home control, HomeKit scenes, intercom capabilities, and swift access to personal data.
For those acquainted with smart displays like the Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show, the idea of spatial widgets might seem recognizable. These displays provide concise information, such as weather updates and reminders, making them a significant addition to various households. Nonetheless, the fixed nature of spatial widgets could appear constrained when compared to the contextual intelligence of traditional smart displays.
While spatial widgets offer a constant piece of information, there’s room for more dynamic alternatives, like a Smart Stack that presents context-aware details as required. This concept could smoothly extend to a physical smart display, integrating features like cameras for Spatial Photos.
The newly introduced visionOS 26 spatial widgets are not only visually attractive but also signify Apple’s investigation into ambient information in everyday life. This opens up the possibility that a HomePad could transform into a dedicated dashboard that adjusts to its surroundings, rather than merely being a reconfigured iPad or an Echo Show replica.
In the end, while some might doubt if a HomePad can stand against current devices, the emphasis on crafting a smarter, more cohesive experience aligns with Apple’s design ethos.
