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

Oh man, where do I even start with VisionOS 26? Apple’s latest brainchild for the Vision Pro… and, boy, it’s a ride. They say we get to play around with it before the year’s out—lucky devs can start fiddling around with it now. Not bad, right? What’s new? Well, get this: PSVR 2 controllers and a Logitech spatial stylus. Wild, huh?

So, let’s rewind a bit. They showed off VisionOS 26 at WWDC 2025. Not VisionOS 2. Confusing? Yeah, they’ve got this whole new “year-number” thing going on. It’s like Apple went—”Let’s keep them guessing!” Anyway, it’s coming before 2026 hits us.

Let’s talk controllers. Ever since day numero uno, folks have been shouting for more controllers. I mean, who wouldn’t want to feel like they’re in the game, right? And now Apple’s teamed up with Sony—enter the PSVR 2 Sense controllers. Smart move not to make their own, I’d say. Oh, and Xbox and PlayStation gamepads have this ‘breakthrough’ thing now. You can actually see them in your hands, even if you’re surrounded by a digital wonderland. Kinda trippy.

Oh! Widgets are in now too. Just like on your phone, but… you can pin them to your walls. No joke. Set it up, and bam! It’s always there when you pop the headset on. Unlike app windows that get all messed up every time you reset your view.

Let’s not skip the avatars—Apple calls them ‘Persona’ avatars. Look, they’re getting a makeover too—think less ghost, more human. Apparently, they’ve jazzed up the skin, hair, and even eyelashes. Who knew avatars needed such fab lashes?

And co-located experiences…? Fancy words. It basically means two Vision Pro users can sync up in the same real-world space. So, you and your buddy can have the same virtual garden party without even leaving your actual rooms. FaceTime and SharePlay join the party too, for folks far away.

Images are getting a boost. Spatial photos now have some volume—like your usual 3D, but now with parallax. Think you can lean around an object in a photo, more or less. Well, sort of—Apple’s trying to guess the rest of the scene. They’ve done a good job so far, so fingers crossed.

Safari’s changing too, oh boy! ‘Spatial Browsing’ is coming. Imagine reading online, but like… inside the text and images. Pics become these, uh, spatial thingies. It’s like being in a book, kinda.

Video playback is getting an upgrade as well. Imagine viewing your wild GoPro footage with a wraparound effect. Those fisheye views like 180° and 360° will flow easier on Vision Pro. Cool, huh?

Last thing before I ramble off into nonsense—hand-tracking. It’s faster, up to 90Hz now. Nice!

Still reading? VisionOS 26 is already here for devs, in beta. Still, Apple’s mum on when everyone else gets it. Will it land with iOS and macOS updates? Beats me!

Alright—toodle-oo for now. Who knows what Apple will think of next? Maybe holograms. Or not.