The first platform to receive an update that was showcased during WWDC 2024 is visionOS, and its successor is visionOS 2. Apple has unveiled various additions coming to the software update, including one where users will experience improved productivity when using their headset, along with a slew of UI changes and gestures.
The biggest update for productivity enthusiasts is that visionOS 2 will now allow users to extend their Mac Virtual Display to new levels
First, let us start with the basic changes, which is SharePlay in the Photos app. This addition will allow users to share photos with other Apple Vision Pro owners. As for the gestures, you can now twist your hands to immediately access new features, such as settings and the control interface, and bring up Mac Virtual Display. Speaking of Mac Virtual Display, current Apple Vision Pro owners will be delighted to hear that this feature is getting a massive update.
When the update launches later this year, Mac Virtual Display will allow for a larger wraparound display, and multiple virtual monitors will be added to the virtual environment. According to the company, the ultrawide virtual display support will be equivalent to 4K monitors, which will pretty much supersize your current workspace and help your productivity reach new heights.
Moving onto Travel Mode, this feature will be useful for Apple Vision Pro users during their commute, and improvements have been made to Guest Mode. For the first time ever, mouse support is coming to visionOS 2, and Apple is also releasing more APIs to create apps that use 3D space. For instance, TabletopKit will allow developers to make games and other apps connected to a surface like a table, while enterprise APIs will enable corporate users to create Apple Vision Pro-specific apps.
Now, we turn our attention to spatial video, and during the announcement, it was mentioned that Canon would release a special lens to capture spatial video from affordable mirrorless cameras. This move is made so that creators can use a traditional camera instead of the Apple Vision Pro, which will ultimately simplify a creator’s ability to create spatial video. The visionOS 2 update is expected to officially launch this fall, and it will be free for Apple Vision Pro owners.