Apple has announced visionOS 2 – the next generation operating system that powers the Vision Pro mixed reality headset – at the WorldWide Developer Conference (WWDC). The upgraded version brings along various productivity enhancements and “new immersive experiences” in Photos and videos.
The visionOS 2 will be available as a free software update this fall and will bring spatial computing features such as transform photos into 3D memories, intuitive hand gestures to easily access the Home View and important information at a glance as well as new capabilities for Mac Virtual Display, Travel Mode, and Guest User.
Spatial Photo creation for existing photos
The Photos app on Vision Pro will now allow users to convert existing, non-spatial photos into spatial photos with a single button click. This expands the library of content compatible with the Vision Pro’s spatial features.
New Mac Virtual Display option
Apple’s virtual display feature for Mac computers is receiving an upgrade with an “ultrawide display” option that provides the equivalent workspace of two 4K displays, mimicking the experience of a curved ultrawide monitor.
SharePlay comes to Photos
The VisionOS 2 Photos app supports SharePlay allowing users to collaborate with other Vision Pro owners using Spatial Personas – a feature that creates 3D representations of remote users in the same virtual space.
Vision Pro Travel Mode comes to trains
Travel mode within the Vision Pro will no longer be limited to aeroplanes, and visionOS 2 introduces support for trains, allowing users to experience virtual displays on trains.
Vision Pro goes global
Apple has announced that the VisionPro headset is coming to more markets.
“The enthusiasm for Apple Vision Pro has been extraordinary, and we are thrilled to introduce the magic of spatial computing to more customers around the world,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
“We can’t wait for more people to see the impossible become possible, whether working and collaborating with an infinite canvas for apps, reliving treasured memories in three dimensions, watching TV shows and movies in a one-of-a-kind personal cinema, or enjoying brand-new spatial experiences that defy imagination,” cook added.
The pre-orders for the Vision Pro headset will begin on June 13 in China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore with official availability starting June 28. Similarly, pre-orders for Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the UK will begin on June 28 with availability following on July 12.