Apple Unveils Significant Vision Pro Enhancements in VisionOS 26, Developer Beta Released Today

Sure thing, let’s dig into this new VisionOS 26 update from Apple and see what’s what. And whoa, where do we even start? Heads up, this might get a little all over the place. So, hang tight. First off, way back earlier — or maybe yesterday (time is a blur, right?) — they gave us a sneak peek at this thing called VisionOS 26 at WWDC 2025. It’s like the new season of your favorite show, set to hit the public sometime later. Apple says devs can dive into it starting today. Can you believe that? I’m just here, still processing the morning.

Anyway, Apple is pulling a bit of a fast one with this naming thing. We’re skipping straight from VisionOS 2 to VisionOS 26 — don’t even ask. Okay, moving on, big stuff here! They’re playing nice with Sony and now PSVR 2 motion controllers (you know, those nifty gaming sticks) will work with the Vision Pro. Yay for people who love flailing around in their living rooms! Logitech’s also in on the action, introducing some kind of magic pencil (stylus, yeah) — Muse, they call it. Kinda sounds musical.

Speaking of breakthroughs — oh gosh, where was I? Yeah, controllers! Gamepads are getting this update called ‘breakthrough.’ Doesn’t that sound dramatic? Like a dramatic breakthrough, but really it’s just you being able to see your controller when everything else is in virtual land. Handy, I suppose.

Now, those widgets. Widgets everywhere! Like those sticky notes you leave on the fridge but way more futuristic. They can just exist wherever you slap them down in your virtual home. Remember those app windows? Well, those little rascals would just shuffle around whenever you centered your headset. Not anymore, not these widgets. They’re staying put like loyal pets.

Apple’s Personas — avatars, if you will — are also getting a makeover. More lifelike, less ghostly. Frankly, sounds a bit like they’re taking everyone out for a digital spa day for skin and eyelash enhancements.

On the social side, now two people in the same room can vibe together in virtual space — it’s like a low-key sci-fi movie or maybe just the world catching up with our imaginations. Mix that with SharePlay, and you’ve got a party that travels through screens.

And oh, spatial photos are leveling up! They’re not just static 3D anymore. It feels like now you can peek around corners, a bit like trying to sneak a look at the cake hidden in the kitchen. It’s called a ‘spatial scene’ now. Sounds fancier, doesn’t it? This whole guessing-game to create depth is quite something, almost like magic.

Safari is getting ‘Spatial Browsing.’ Imagine your web pages popping out and being, well, spatial! Plus, web developers can create all these immersive backgrounds. Maybe we’ll all just get lost in browsing one day and forget we have a meeting. Dang, where was I again? Oh right, browsing.

Video is a whole new ballgame too. More formats, wider views — basically your action cam footage can feel like you’re there. And those videos you took while snorkeling in God-knows-where can now transport you back without the sunburn.

Lastly, hand-tracking – they’re stepping it up to 90Hz from 60Hz. Though to be honest, I have no clue what that feels like until I actually try it. Just sounds faster, so that’s, umm, good?

That’s the main scoop on VisionOS 26. It’s a developer playground right now, but who knows when it’ll go public? Could be tomorrow, or whenever Apple decides to sprinkle some magic our way again. Keep your eyes peeled, and maybe don’t wander off like I tend to do. Or do it. See what happens!