visionOS: Everything You Should Know About Apple’s Spatial Operating System
visionOS is Apple’s revolutionary operating system crafted specifically for its inaugural spatial computer, the Apple Vision Pro. Unveiled at WWDC 2023, visionOS transforms the way users engage with digital content by merging virtual aspects with the real world. With an emphasis on immersive experiences, productivity, and flawless integration with the Apple ecosystem, visionOS plays a vital role in Apple’s vision for the future of technology.
In this article, we’ll delve into the attributes of visionOS, its progression through various updates, and what users can look forward to from this cutting-edge platform.
What Is visionOS?
visionOS is the system that drives the Apple Vision Pro, Apple’s pioneering spatial computing device. Unlike conventional operating systems, visionOS is specifically designed to facilitate spatial interactions through eye tracking, hand gestures, and voice commands. It allows users to engage with applications and content in a three-dimensional space, providing a more intuitive and immersive experience.
Key Features of visionOS 1.0
visionOS 1.0 established the groundwork for Apple’s spatial computing platform. Here are some of its notable features:
1. Spatial App Experience
Applications in visionOS are not limited to a screen. They inhabit your physical surroundings, permitting users to position and adjust windows anywhere in their space. This encompasses native applications such as Safari, Mail, Messages, and Photos, as well as third-party applications adapted for spatial computing.
2. New App Store
visionOS features a specialized App Store showcasing applications specifically designed for the platform, in addition to compatible iPhone and iPad apps.
3. Immersive Entertainment
The Vision Pro provides a Cinema Environment that mimics a 100-foot screen with spatial audio, ideal for streaming Apple TV+, watching movies, and enjoying Apple Arcade games. Apple Immersive Video also presents 180-degree 3D 8K video experiences.
4. Spatial Photos and Videos
Users can take and view spatial photos and videos, providing a realistic perception of depth. iPhone 15 Pro users can also capture spatial videos for playback on the Vision Pro.
5. FaceTime and Personas
visionOS revolutionizes FaceTime by generating life-size video tiles and digital Personas—lifelike avatars that reflect your facial expressions and hand motions. SharePlay facilitates collaborative experiences during video calls.
6. Mac Integration
With Mac Virtual Display, users can bring their Mac into the Vision Pro environment, utilizing it as a large 4K display. The Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad are also supported for smooth productivity.
7. Environments and Mindfulness
Users can modify their surroundings with immersive environments and utilize the Mindfulness app to find relaxation and focus.
visionOS Updates and Versions
Since its initial release, visionOS has undergone multiple updates, each bringing new features and enhancing performance.
visionOS 1.1
Released: March 7, 2024
Key Features:
– Support for Mobile Device Management (MDM) for enterprise applications
– Improved customization options for Personas
– Greater reliability for Mac Virtual Display
– Captive network functionality for public Wi-Fi
– Enhancements in accessibility
visionOS 1.2
Released: June 10, 2024
Key Features:
– Ongoing improvements for MDM
– More precise virtual keyboard input
– Enhanced EyeSight rendering and Persona graphics
– Improved connectivity with Macs
visionOS 1.3
Released: July 29, 2024
Key Features:
– Fixes for bugs and security enhancements
visionOS 2.0
Released: September 16, 2024 (announced at WWDC 2024)
visionOS 2.0 represents a significant update that brings several new features:
– Spatial Photos: Transform 2D images into 3D spatial photos
– New Hand Gestures: Quick access to Control Center, Home View, and volume adjustments
– Home View Customization: Rearrange applications and compatible iOS apps
– Travel Mode for Trains: Enhanced experience for train journeys
– Guest User Mode: Temporarily store hand and eye data for shared usage
– Apple TV Multiview: Watch up to five sports streams at once
– Mindfulness Enhancements: New visualizations for breathing exercises
visionOS 2.1 to 2.3
Released: October 2024 to January 2025
These updates concentrated on stability, bug resolutions, and minor improvements, including:
– Fixes related to Apple Music playback
– Improved compatibility with Swift Charts
– Resolution of Voice Memo bugs
visionOS 2.4
Released: March 31, 2025
This update introduced Apple Intelligence, Apple’s generative AI platform, to Vision Pro:
– Writing Tools: Edit, proofread, and summarize text
– Image Playground: Generate images using AI
– Memories in Photos: AI-generated photo narratives
– Clean Up Tool: Eliminate unwanted objects from photographs
– Siri Enhancements: Interact with Siri via typing or voice commands
– ChatGPT
