visionOS 26: What Apple has planned for the Vision Pro

Apple's annual developer conference, WWDC, kicks off on June 9, 2025. In addition to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, the new visionOS 26 – the operating system for the Vision Pro headset – will also be unveiled there. While visionOS is less widespread than the other platforms, Apple continues to invest in the system and introduces features that should be especially exciting for Vision Pro users.

One detail immediately stands out: Apple is abandoning its previous versioning logic. Instead of visionOS 3, visionOS 2 is now followed by visionOS 26. The number represents the year the system will be released—2025—and applies to all platforms with versions from fall 2025 to fall 2026. This is intended to make the operating systems more clearly distinguishable from one another. While the really big surprises are likely reserved for iOS and macOS, there are also some interesting new features for visionOS.

Design adjustments planned

Apple plans to slightly revise the design of visionOS. No major changes have been announced, but minor visual adjustments are coming. These are based on the design language that Apple plans to adopt in iOS and macOS in the future. The exact changes are not yet known. What is clear, however, is that the interface should appear more modern and be more visually connected to other Apple systems.

Scrolling with your eyes

One of the most striking innovations is eye scrolling. This allows you to scroll through content using only your eye movements – an extension of the existing gaze control already used in the Vision Pro. You look at an element and confirm your selection with a gesture. The new eye scrolling makes this control more intuitive and faster. Apple will integrate the feature into its own apps and provide an API so that third-party developers can also integrate the technology.

Apple Intelligence at Vision Pro

Apple will unveil additional AI features—also known as Apple Intelligence—at WWDC 2025, primarily for iOS 26. However, it's highly likely that many of these features will also be integrated into visionOS 26. These include AI-assisted battery management, which could optimize the Vision Pro's runtime—important, as the headset relies heavily on external batteries. Siri will also become more intelligent. Features already announced at WWDC 2024, such as personalized replies, context-based assistance, and the ability to recognize what's happening on the screen, are also expected to be included in visionOS. Siri will be able to directly access emails, files, and other content to provide targeted assistance.

New game app in the works

Apple is developing a new cross-platform gaming app that will also be available for visionOS 26. The goal is to expand the gaming offerings on the Vision Pro. The app bundles content from the App Store's games section, Apple Arcade, and Game Center—including achievements, leaderboards, and multiplayer features. This puts the Vision Pro more in the spotlight as a potential platform for immersive gaming.

Accessibility is being expanded

Accessibility is also an important topic. Back in May, Apple announced that visionOS would be adding 26 new features for people with visual impairments or mobility restrictions. This includes a zoom function that allows content to be magnified using the Vision Pro's main camera. Apple is also introducing "Live Recognition" in VoiceOver – an AI-powered feature that recognizes objects, describes surroundings, and reads text aloud. A new API will be available for developers to use the main camera in accessible apps – for example, for visual assistance from others. This is intended for apps like Be My Eyes, among others. And for users with severe mobility restrictions, Apple is introducing support for so-called brain-computer interfaces for the first time. This allows devices to be controlled using brain signals, opening up completely new possibilities – so the rumors say.

visionOS 26: Not a revolution, but a clear step forward

WWDC 2025 is likely to be an important milestone for visionOS. visionOS 26 doesn't bring a radical redesign, but it does offer useful and, in some cases, highly advanced features. The update makes the Vision Pro not only more versatile, but also more accessible, intelligent, and better integrated into the Apple universe. Even though the focus of the event will likely remain on iOS, visionOS is worth a look for anyone keeping an eye on Apple's mixed reality future. The WWDC 2025 keynote begins on Monday, June 9, at 7:00 PM Central European Time. You can watch it live on the Apple website, on YouTube, or in the TV app. If you can't watch the keynote live, you can get all the important information directly and reliably at apfelpatient.de . Also, follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and Threads so you don't miss anything during and after the event—we'll keep you up to date wherever you go. (Image: Shutterstock / Tada Images)