Apple is planning a new feature for its Safari browser that will specifically appeal to Vision Pro users. They will be able to experience spatial photos and videos in 3D - a significant enhancement that could further improve the consumption of media content.
PetaPixel, a photo website, learned in an exclusive interview with Apple's product manager Della Huff and designer Billy Sorrentino that Apple will soon support spatial photo and video content in Safari. This innovation will allow Vision Pro users to experience immersive content directly in the browser. The planned feature simplifies the sharing and viewing of 3D media content and offers exciting new possibilities for both users and web developers.
Apple Vision Pro: Experience spatial content in Safari
Later this year, Vision Pro users will be able to access spatial photos and videos directly from the Safari browser. This content will feel like you are in the middle of the action thanks to the spatial depth and detailed 3D effects. Previously, spatial media content could only be transferred to the Vision Pro headset via Messages, Email or AirDrop, which limited access to such content. Thanks to the new browser support, iPhone users will be able to upload spatial photos and videos to websites, which can then be viewed in 3D by Vision Pro users.
One important benefit is that web developers will be able to integrate spatial content into their websites. This feature opens up a new dimension of web design in which 3D content is made easily accessible. For users without Vision Pro, the content will then appear as a conventional two-dimensional representation. According to Sorrentino, the representation will be automatically adjusted so that Vision Pro users can enjoy the full spatial experience while laptop users see the content in two dimensions.
Compatible devices and requirements
Spatial photos and videos can be created with the following Apple devices and later viewed in 3D in the Safari browser:
- iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max: With the update to iOS 18.1, iPhone 15 Pro users can now take spatial photos in addition to spatial videos.
- iPhone 16 series: All four models of the iPhone 16 generation also offer the ability to create spatial content.
- Vision Pro: As a central device for displaying 3D content, Vision Pro plays a crucial role. With the new visionOS 2 operating system, existing photos can also be converted into spatial content using depth effects.
This compatibility between iPhone and Vision Pro allows Apple users to create and experience content seamlessly between their devices, making the overall use of spatial media much easier.
Benefits and new opportunities for web developers
With the planned browser support for spatial content in Safari, Apple is also opening up new possibilities for web developers. Websites can now be designed so that spatial photos and videos serve as an immersive part of the website. For developers, this means that they can extend their content into an additional dimension to offer users a more intense experience. Users of the Vision Pro will then see the content in 3D while other visitors will see the embeds as normal two-dimensional photos or videos. According to Apple's design team, this type of integration is a big step forward, as the easy provision of 3D content in Safari makes it much easier to make spatial content accessible to a wide audience.
Apple Vision Pro Safari Extension: Availability and Outlook
Although Apple has not yet announced a specific release date, spatial support in Safari is expected to be introduced before the end of the year. This feature could potentially be delivered as part of an update to visionOS 2.2. With this new feature, Apple is signaling a clear intention to further expand the integration of 3D content on the web and completely change the digital user experience. Spatial support in Safari could prove to be a game-changer, allowing users to immerse themselves in photos and videos as if they were right there in the scene. Web developers, iPhone owners and Vision Pro users can be excited to see how this new technology will continue to shape the digital experience. Do you need useful tips for your Apple Vision Pro? Here you can discover everything you need to know about your new Apple device – enjoy reading! (Image: Apple)
