Apple announces visionOS 26 with spatial widgets, lifelike Personas and more

visionOS 26

Apple has officially announced visionOS 26 at WWDC 2025, bringing a host of new spatial computing features to its Vision Pro headset. The update introduces spatial widgets that can be anchored in a user’s environment and all-new Personas that appear more expressive and realistic. The release marks Apple’s continued push to enhance immersive computing through both consumer and enterprise features.

visionOS 26 features
One of the most significant additions in visionOS 26 is the introduction of spatial widgets. Unlike traditional floating interface elements, these widgets can be placed anywhere in a user’s real-world space and remain in place each time the Vision Pro is used. Users can customize the size, color, depth, and framing of each widget. Supported widgets include Clock, Weather, Photos, and Music. A new Widgets app allows users to browse and manage their widgets, including those adapted from iOS and iPadOS apps. Developers can also build new spatial widgets using WidgetKit.

Another key highlight is the redesign of Apple’s digital Personas. These avatars are used for video calls and shared virtual experiences. In visionOS 26, Personas use advanced volumetric rendering and machine learning to deliver improved realism and expressiveness. The new system allows for more natural face movements, better skin rendering, and overall familiarity, aiming to make communication more lifelike in mixed reality.

visionOS 26 also expands shared spatial experiences. Users can interact with other Vision Pro users in the same room to co-watch content in 3D, play spatial games, or collaborate on projects. Remote users can also be added to sessions using FaceTime. Companies such as Dassault Systèmes are already adopting these features to enable collaborative 3D model viewing through apps like 3DLive.

The update brings support for immersive content formats, including 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide field-of-view video from brands such as Insta360, GoPro, and Canon. In addition, Apple Vision Pro now supports PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, opening up new gaming experiences with precise motion control.

For developers and enterprises, Apple has introduced new APIs that allow custom spatial app development tailored to specific workflows and business use cases.

visionOS 26 rollout
Apple says visionOS 26 will be released as a free software update for existing Apple Vision Pro users later this year. A developer beta is being made available during WWDC 2025 to give developers early access to the new tools and APIs. The public beta is expected in the coming months, ahead of a full rollout.