Apple unveils Vision Pro revamp with visionOS 26 - exploring the top 6 modifications coming to Apple's virtual reality headgear
At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled a slew of software updates, including visionOS 26 - skipping a few versions to unify Apple's numbering system across all software.
For Apple Vision Pro users, this new software brings a host of thrilling enhancements to your mixed reality experience. Enjoy a plethora of new spatial tools, making photos, apps, and webpages more immersive than ever.
Here are the 7 must-know visionOS 26 updates for Apple Vision Pro:
1. Expanded device support for captured media
VisionOS 26 means the Apple Vision Pro can now support 180-, 360-degree, and wide field-of-view videos and photos captured with Insta360, GoPro, and Canon devices. This makes it a fantastic companion for the best 360 cameras out there.
With this upgrade, you'll be able to better immerse yourself in the action cam content you've captured during your travels, reliving the adventures back at home.
2. PlayStation VR 2 Sense controllers support
After months of speculation from leakers, Apple has finally announced that you can use PlayStation VR 2 Sense controllers with the Vision Pro. Apple claims these controllers will allow developers to deliver even more engaging gameplay experiences.
Sony, however, doesn't sell the PSVR 2 controllers separately from the headset at the moment. You'll need to invest in the full $399.99 / £399.99 / AU$649.00 PSVR 2 setup to take advantage of this update.
3. Realistic spatial scenes
Thanks to a new generative AI algorithm, visionOS 26 aims to make spatial photos more realistic, allowing for new perspectives from your shots for an even more immersive experience with your iPhone 16.
Additionally, Apple is improving the API for developers, enabling them to enhance spatial scenes in their apps, like Zillow's Immersive app, which will allow users to better explore homes and apartments using their Vision Pro headset.
4. Spatial everything
Beyond improved spatial photos, Apple brings several spatial upgrades to Vision Pro through visionOS 26. Customizable widgets are on their way, allowing adjustments in frame, color, and depth, and they integrate seamlessly into your space, reappearing every time you don your headset.
visionOS 26 introduces new options for Safari, allowing developers to embed 3D objects and spatial scenes directly into web pages. Apple claims that users will be able to cut out distractions as they browse, helping them focus better.
5. Shared spatial content
When multiple Apple Vision Pro users are in the same space, they'll now be able to share the same spatial content, making it appear as a real object in the room with everyone. This means you can enjoy the same 3D blockbuster with friends or collaborate with coworkers on a project. Remote participants can join via FaceTime.
6. Enhanced Personas
visionOS 26 will make Personas look and feel more natural, with improvements in appearance, hair, and features, making them less ghostly and more lifelike.
7. Smaller updates
A few smaller updates are on the way too, including:
- Language support expansion: Apple Intelligence will now support French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish, along with non-US English in Australia, Canada, India, Singapore, and the UK.
- Look to scroll: This feature allows you to navigate apps using just your eyes.
- Folder tools: Organize your apps more efficiently with new folder tools.
- Expanded Face ID compatibility: Face ID-enabled iPhone 16 models will be able to unlock even when you're wearing a Vision Pro.
Additional Insight
The new PlayStation VR 2 Sense controllers bring a range of advanced features to the Apple Vision Pro, such as advanced motion tracking, finger touch detection, and haptic feedback. These improvements make the Vision Pro a versatile platform for immersive VR and mixed reality experiences.[2][3]
visionOS 26 introduces updates that make it easier for developers to port or create immersive experiences, including the new generative AI algorithm, enhanced spatial scenes, and additional developer tools.[3] In addition, support for both traditional PlayStation and Xbox gamepads is expected.[4]
[1] www.macrumors.com[2] www.gizmodo.com[3] www.psu.com[4] www.jordanallen.ch
The Apple Vision Pro, with visionOS 26, expands its media support to include 180-, 360-degree, and wide field-of-view videos and photos captured with Canon devices, making it a versatile companion for professional photography gadgets like Canon cameras.
To enhance gaming experiences, visionOS 26 also supports PlayStation VR 2 Sense controllers, bringing advanced motion tracking, finger touch detection, and haptic feedback to the virtual reality and mixed reality experiences offered by the Apple Vision Pro. This turns it into a dynamic platform for gaming, computing, and gadgets, all made possible through cutting-edge technology.
