Apple Unveils Vision Pro’s Persistent Widget System for VisionOS 26

Sure thing! Let’s dive into this whirlwind of widget wizardry Apple has unleashed—like, literally this week—at WWDC. They’ve gone and cooked up this thing for Vision Pro (they call it something snazzy like visionOS 26) that’s supposed to make widgets stick to walls. Yeah, like those sticky notes that never fall off no matter how many times you slam the door.

Picture this: You’re peering through this, I don’t know, futuristic headset thing, and those widgets are right there on your wall. Doesn’t matter if you reboot the contraption, those bad boys are staying put. Apple dives into the nitty-gritty with developers at WWDC, chatting about the new widget deal. They’re saying these things are as solid as…well, a rock, I guess. Compared to the usual floaty windows that just wander about all willy-nilly, widgets are glued to your flat surfaces like it’s their life’s mission.

Here’s the kicker—these widgets, they’re not new kids on the block. They’re the same ones you’ve seen hanging out on iPads or iPhones. But then Apple, of course, gives them a little jazzing up for Vision Pro with WidgetKit—so they’ve got these new dimensions and stuff. Like your cousin who gets a makeover and then demands everyone notice.

Now, developers have these choices—a ‘glass’ or ‘paper’ overlay, depending on how you want those widgets to handle your living room’s wild lighting. Let’s say you’ve got a photo widget; they reckon the paper style keeps it low-key, dimming with the lights. And for the action-packed info widgets? Go for the glass style—it lights up like a neon sign, practically begging for your attention.

Oh, and get this—widgets in VisionOS 26 know when you’re creeping closer. Yeah, like that toaster that sneezes crumbs just as you reach for the bread. So, it shifts from chill to detailed, serving up the weather like it’s the main course when you stroll up close.

Wait, what was I saying? Ah, right—the Vision Pro-specific gadgets. Ever wanted to click on that album art plastered on your wall and actually play the tunes? Boom, there you go. Or how about a ‘photo window’ thingy that tricks you into thinking you’re gazing out to a sunny beach, when really, it’s rainy Tuesday in your cramped apartment.

Now, quick left turn—Apple’s clock widget has been through a makeover too. Dust off your monocle because you’ll need it for the fresh details.

According to Apple, widgets should blend right into your space like they’re camouflaging soldiers, not those awkward floating rectangles. Put them against your walls, and they’re even shadow-casting. Yes, like those spooky apparitions in horror flicks.

Of course, customization’s a thing—you want your widget slightly sunk in or popping out of your wall? Done. Want a frame thick enough to be a picture on grandma’s mantle? No problem. Plus, you can fiddle with the colors when you’re feeling adventurous.

And when you’re arranging these gadgety decorations on your wall, they snap into a grid all by themselves, like they own the place. The widgets are not just there for show, you can tap-tap them to do stuff, like crossing off tasks. Interactive as heck, right? Or at least, that’s the dream. If they don’t have cool tricks, you land back in the app from whence they came.

So, keep an eye out because widgets are in the VisionOS 26 developer beta right now—enthusiastic testers only, please—and they’re aiming for a broad release by fall. Cozy up with this newfangled widget world soon!