**Apple Vision Pro: Broadening Controller Support for an Improved Gaming Experience**
The Apple Vision Pro is poised to transform the gaming arena with its groundbreaking approach to gesture-driven spatial computing. While the device has shown potential, it has encountered hurdles in merging traditional gaming experiences. Nonetheless, recent updates indicate a meaningful change is imminent.
### Tapping In
As reported by 9to5Mac, Apple is gearing up to enhance controller support on visionOS. This expansion will not only encompass well-known gamepads from PlayStation and Xbox but will also unveil a new class of input devices referred to as **spatial controllers**. Although preliminary support for these controllers has been available since visionOS 1.0, developers have been slow to adopt it due to its restricted functionality. Presently, games that necessitate a controller bear a “controller required” label on the Apple Vision Pro App Store.
### Existing Bluetooth Controller Support
Apple Vision Pro does accommodate Bluetooth controllers, enabling users to personalize button layouts for specific games. However, the forthcoming updates will actively enhance and broaden this capability. Users will receive notifications when they are about to buy a game that mandates either PlayStation, Xbox, or MFi controllers, or specifically requires spatial controllers fashioned for 3D interactions.
This improvement extends beyond the current “controller required” label, aligning with earlier reports from Bloomberg about Apple’s partnership with Sony. The two companies are believed to be collaborating to incorporate support for PlayStation VR2 hand controllers into the Vision Pro, a project that has been underway for several months.
### Future Developments
The incorporation of these controllers implies that games available on the Vision Pro could utilize the same console controllers already supported on other Apple devices, with enhanced system-level recognition within the App Store and visionOS.
While the foundation for this controller support has been established, it is still uncertain whether these updates will be unveiled at the upcoming WWDC or later in the year. However, signs indicate that Apple is preparing for a major gaming announcement.
In addition to controller support, Apple is rumored to be launching a new Games app, expected to debut with iOS 26 and macOS 26. This app will act as a central hub for all gaming endeavors across Apple Arcade, the App Store, and even external titles on macOS. Features might include achievements, challenges, and social functionalities reminiscent of the former Game Center app, enabling users to monitor friends’ activities and compete on leaderboards.
Moreover, Apple is investigating closer integration with communication tools like FaceTime and iMessage, potentially enhancing in-game interactions and introducing mini-games via App Clips.
### Conclusion
As Apple persists in enhancing its gaming ecosystem, the incorporation of PlayStation and Xbox controller support could greatly elevate the allure of the Vision Pro. The forthcoming announcements at WWDC may offer more insights into how Apple intends to position its platforms as serious contenders in the gaming sector. Anticipation builds as users look forward to the next phase of Apple’s gaming journey.
