Apple has recently unveiled visionOS 2, a significant update for Apple Vision Pro that introduces exciting new spatial computing experiences for users. This update comes just months after the initial release of the Apple Vision Pro device in the United States. With visionOS 2, users can now easily turn their favorite photos into stunning spatial photos, utilize new hand gestures for navigating the visionOS interface, and explore enhanced features in popular apps.
The new spatial photos feature on Apple Vision Pro allows users to transform their 2D images into immersive spatial photos that bring memories to life in incredible depth and realism. Users can share these spatial photos with their loved ones and enjoy them together using the SharePlay feature in the Photos app. Additionally, capturing spatial videos on Apple Vision Pro and iPhone 15 Pro enables users to relive special moments as if they were back in that moment. Canon will soon offer a new spatial lens for its EOS R7 digital camera to capture stunning spatial videos, even in challenging lighting conditions.
In terms of navigation and productivity, visionOS 2 introduces new hand gestures that provide quick access to frequently used features like Home View and Control Center. Users can now see important information at a glance, such as the current time and battery level, and perform actions like adjusting the volume with ease. The productivity tools on Apple Vision Pro have also been enhanced with visionOS 2, offering a higher resolution and larger size for the Mac Virtual Display, mouse support for additional workflow options, and the ability to reveal the user’s physical Magic Keyboard even during immersive experiences.
For developers and creators, visionOS 2 provides new APIs and frameworks that enable them to build innovative app experiences that are more volumetric and shareable. HealthKit has also been integrated into Vision Pro, allowing developers to create health and fitness experiences that leverage the infinite canvas in visionOS. By leveraging new tools like TabletopKit, developers can quickly build shared and collaborative app experiences, such as the murder mystery board game Haunted Chess from GRL Games.
Enterprise developers are already utilizing visionOS to create world-class apps for various industries, from healthcare to aerospace. New tools in visionOS 2 enable developers to extend capabilities in these industries, including Barcode Scanning and Object Tracking APIs. Apple Immersive Video, a storytelling format that uses 3D 8K video and Spatial Audio, is available on the Apple TV app and will soon be supported by Blackmagic Design’s camera system and post-production software DaVinci Resolve Studio.
Additional features in visionOS 2 include the ability to watch videos in an Environment in Safari, support for multiview in the Apple TV app, new capabilities in the Mindfulness app for achieving calm and focus, systemwide Live Captions for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, and the option to view content on Vision Pro with AirPlay from other Apple devices.
Overall, visionOS 2 promises to revolutionize spatial computing on Apple Vision Pro, offering users exciting new ways to interact with their devices and creating endless possibilities for developers and creators to build immersive experiences. The developer preview of visionOS 2 is now available to Apple Developer Program members, with more information available on the Apple website.