In 2023, the unveiling of the Vision Pro was the highlight of Apple’s WWDC keynote. This headset marked Apple’s first new platform since the Apple Watch and served as an opportunity to define the purpose of a head-mounted computer.

Apple intentionally avoided existing concepts like the metaverse and virtual reality, instead embracing the term spatial computing. Rather than focusing on specific applications like movie-watching or gaming, the Vision Pro aims to deliver general-purpose utility, similar to the Mac, but in an immersive format.

This year at WWDC, Vision Pro was among the Apple platforms receiving operating system updates, specifically VisionOS 26. This ongoing software evolution is crucial for improving and maintaining the relevance of Apple products, often contributing more than initial hardware introductions. The considerable updates in VisionOS 26 contrast sharply with the minimal evolution of the Apple TV box, which, even after 18 years, still feels like a side project, as Steve Jobs once described it.

Following the WWDC keynote at Apple Park, hands-on experience with the vision Pro’s new features was provided, along with discussions with Steve Sinclair, senior director of apple Vision Pro product marketing, and Jeff Norris, senior director of apps and content for the Vision Products Group. Both emphasized the practical enhancements VisionOS 26 brings to the Vision Pro. Sinclair stated that the upgrade “adds new ways to connect. It adds new ways to be more immersed. It unlocks new methods to interact with the spatial digital content that we have. And it makes Vision Pro something that users can enjoy using every single day.”

Enhancing the daily utility of a product, especially one priced at $3,500 and still establishing its market presence, is crucial. VisionOS 26 is part of a broader strategy. In April, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported that Apple is developing two new headsets, with CEO Tim Cook keen on releasing a more glasses-like form factor when feasible. While Apple does not comment on unannounced products, the existence of the “Vision Products Group” suggests that the Vision Pro is not a standalone product.

“adds new ways to connect. It adds new ways to be more immersed…users can enjoy using every single day.”

One of the most visually and technically notable features of VisionOS is the updated Personas. These photorealistic avatars can be used in FaceTime calls, other video conferences, and SharePlay-enabled experiences. Personas received a significant upgrade last year.