Title: visionOS 3: All We Know About Apple’s Upcoming Significant Update for Vision Pro
Apple’s venture into spatial computing through the Vision Pro headset has stirred both enthusiasm and doubt. While the hardware has received acclaim for its ingenuity, the software—visionOS—has been criticized for its initial lack of engaging features. Nonetheless, attention is now focused on visionOS 3, anticipated to represent a major advancement for Apple’s mixed reality initiative.
With the WWDC 2025 keynote approaching, here’s what we have gathered so far regarding visionOS 3, encompassing rumored functionalities, upgrades, and implications for the future of Apple’s spatial computing goals.
Reflecting Back: The Disappointing Reception of visionOS 2
visionOS 2, unveiled at WWDC 2024, did not spark the enthusiasm Apple was aiming for. Although it introduced minor enhancements and stability improvements, it fell short of revolutionary features—until visionOS 2.4 presented Apple Intelligence, a collection of AI-driven tools that showcased a glimpse of the platform’s capabilities.
Despite this late enhancement, numerous users and developers felt there was still much to be desired. Hence, visionOS 3 is positioned as a crucial update that could transform user interactions with the Vision Pro.
Eye-Tracking Navigation: A Revolutionary Feature
One of the most thrilling rumored features for visionOS 3 is the capability to navigate entirely through eye movements. As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a system enabling users to scroll through applications and content just by looking, removing the necessity for hand gestures.
This feature would utilize the Vision Pro’s sophisticated eye-tracking technology, which already permits users to select items merely by gazing at them and pinching their fingers. Making hand gestures optional could considerably improve accessibility and user convenience, particularly for those with limited mobility or in situations where hands-free operation is advantageous.
Why It Matters:
– Enhanced Accessibility: Eye-only navigation could make the Vision Pro available to a larger audience.
– Improved User Experience: Mitigates physical strain during prolonged use.
– Seamless Interaction: Creates a more natural and intuitive interface.
Intuitive Design: A Fundamental Strength of visionOS
Despite its current state, visionOS has garnered praise for its user-friendly interface. Users can direct their gaze at an app or control, activating it with an effortless pinch gesture. This gaze-and-gesture model feels advanced and is among the most enticing features of the Vision Pro experience.
visionOS 3 aims to enhance this basis by enabling even more fluid interactions. With eye-tracking navigation, users could potentially open applications, scroll through documents, and manage media playback without lifting a finger.
New Hardware on the Horizon: Vision Air and Beyond
Alongside software advancements, Apple is reportedly developing new hardware to enhance visionOS 3. One such device is the Apple Vision Air, a lighter and more budget-friendly version of the Vision Pro. This model is anticipated to debut in the latter half of 2025 and could assist Apple in broadening its consumer reach.
Other reports indicate Apple is crafting a tethered iteration of the Vision Pro that connects to a Mac. This version would be suitable for professional and enterprise usages that necessitate low latency and high performance, such as medical imaging, 3D modeling, and video editing.
Expected Features in visionOS 3
Though Apple has yet to officially reveal visionOS 3, here are several rumored and anticipated features:
1. Eye-Only Navigation
– Scroll and select solely with eye movements.
– Decreases dependence on hand gestures.
2. Enhanced Apple Intelligence Integration
– More intelligent Siri interactions.
– Context-aware suggestions and automation.
3. Improved Multitasking
– Advanced window management.
– Enhanced support for virtual desktops.
4. Expanded App Ecosystem
– Increased number of third-party apps optimized for spatial computing.
– New developer tools to create immersive experiences.
5. Performance and Battery Improvements
– Optimizations for smoother performance.
– Enhanced power management for prolonged use.
What to Anticipate at WWDC 2025
visionOS 3 is likely to be officially introduced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025, accompanied by updates to iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS, and watchOS. This keynote is expected to highlight Apple’s expansive vision for spatial computing, with demonstrations showcasing the new eye-tracking features and other enhancements.
Developers will gain preliminary access to the visionOS 3 beta shortly after the keynote, with a public rollout anticipated in the fall.
Final Thoughts
visionOS 3 may be the update that ultimately unlocks the complete potential of the Apple Vision Pro. With groundbreaking features such as eye-only navigation and deeper AI integration, Apple is poised to make spatial computing more accessible, intuitive, and powerful than ever before.
As we await the formal announcement
