Here’s What’s New in VisionOS 2
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At WWDC 2024, Apple detailed all the new features coming in the VisionOS 2 update for its Vision Pro headset later this year, including features related to performance, spatial photo capabilities, and improvements to Travel Mode.
Performance in VisionOS 2
One of the most important parts of the update are new productivity features such as new Mac Virtual Display settings and gestures. With VisionOS 2, you can create two virtual displays with 4K resolution, just like you have an ultra-wide display. (For now, Vision Pro can create one virtual Mac display at 5K resolution.) There will also be mouse support, so you’ll be able to connect a mouse to Vision Pro in addition to a physical keyboard like Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
The new update also includes new gestures for Control Center, current time, battery level, and volume controls.
New Photos app features
Also in the new update, you’ll soon be able to create spatial photos in the Photos app. VisionOS 2 will use advanced machine learning to turn a 2D image into a spatial photograph. And then you can use SharePlay in the Photos app and view spatial photos and videos with friends and their spatial characters.
Support for trains in travel mode
When the Vision Pro was released, it had a Travel mode that allowed the headset to be used on airplanes. But now, with the VisionOS 2 update, you can also use the headset on trains – meaning you can access your favorite apps on Vision Pro while traveling on the train.
And if you want to share your Vision Pro with a friend, you can allow them to use it as a guest and save their eye and hand data for 30 days.
Wider availability of Vision Pro
In addition to all these new VisionOS 2 features, Apple Vision Pro will be released in more countries. The headset will go on sale in Canada, Australia, France, Germany and the UK on July 12, with pre-orders beginning at 5 a.m. PT on June 28. The headset will also launch in mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. June 28, with pre-orders beginning at 6:00 pm PT on June 13.
VisionOS 2 update
This fall, the VisionOS 2 update will be released free to all Apple Vision Pro users. The headset comes pre-installed with VisionOS 1.2.
This is a developing story. The Apple WWDC conference will last until June 14.