Apple VisionOS 2: New Features, Availability & More

Apple recently announced VisionOS 2, a major update to its Apple Vision Pro operating system, which brings new spatial computing experiences and features to users.

The update is designed to enhance the overall user experience and provide more capabilities for developers to create innovative apps.

New Features

1. Spatial Photo: This feature allows users to create spatial photos from their existing image library. It works by creating a left/right depth separation between multiple parts of an image, making subjects and objects appear to leap out of the picture towards the user.
2. Immersive Video: VisionOS 2 introduces Immersive Video, which enables users to watch 180-degree footage that encompasses their peripheral vision. This feature is expected to be used for various types of content, including extreme sports from Red Bull.
3. Quick Hand Actions: Users can now quickly access the home menu by pinching their hand while wearing the Vision Pro, and flip their hand over to see the time and remaining battery life.
4. Train Mode: This feature allows users to use the Vision Pro during their commute, similar to how they would use it on a flight.

Additional Features

1. Safari: Users can watch videos in an Environment, including on popular sites like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon. They can also tap on panoramic photos to immerse themselves in the image.
2. Apple TV: The Apple TV app now supports multiview for the ultimate sports-viewing experience. Later this year, users will be able to watch up to five simultaneous streams.
3. Mindfulness: The Mindfulness app includes a new capability called Follow Your Breathing, which presents dynamic visual animations and sounds that respond to the user’s breathing patterns.
4. Live Captions: Systemwide Live Captions help users who are deaf or hard of hearing follow along with spoken dialogue in live conversations and audio from apps.
5. AirPlay: Users can view content on their Vision Pro with AirPlay from their iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Availability

The developer preview of VisionOS 2 is available to Apple Developer Program members starting today. The stable version is expected to be available for consumers by September 2024