The update to visionOS 3 is set to fundamentally change the way the Apple Vision Pro works. According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is working on a new feature that allows users to scroll content using only their eyes. This new form of navigation should make hand gestures unnecessary in many cases. The feature is related to Apple's existing eye-tracking technology, which already plays a central role in the operation of the Vision Pro.
Apple is placing a strong emphasis on natural interactions with the Vision Pro. Today, you can already navigate the user interface by looking at something and confirming it with a gesture. visionOS 3 builds on and expands on this principle. The goal is to make scrolling as intuitive as possible – completely hands-free. The technology is based on existing sensors and cameras that are already used for other functions, such as iris scanning or general gaze tracking.
Eye scrolling as the next stage of development
The new scrolling function is designed to allow you to navigate through content on websites or in apps by simply looking up or down. Previous hand gestures, such as pinching, would thus no longer be necessary in many cases. Control is based solely on the direction you're looking and is automatically recognized and implemented by the system. This should increase convenience, especially when reading, surfing, or browsing content, according to Bloomberg .
Integration into all system apps planned
Apple plans to integrate eye scrolling into all pre-installed apps on the Vision Pro. Whether it's Safari, Mail, or News—the new feature will be available wherever you scroll. Apple is also working on suitable application programming interfaces (APIs) that will allow developers to integrate the feature into their own visionOS apps. This should establish the new control method across the entire ecosystem in the long term.
Technical basis: eye-tracking cameras
The Vision Pro is equipped with multiple cameras that capture your eye position in real time. This technology is currently used for two key functions: first, for navigation within the system, and second, for the biometric iris scan for authentication. Apple is therefore leveraging an existing hardware base. This makes the introduction of the new scrolling function not only technically feasible but also efficient.
Related technologies in other devices
Apple has also worked with eye tracking outside of Vision Pro. On the iPhone and iPad, there's a feature in the Accessibility settings that allows you to control a pointer using just your eyes. You follow the cursor with your gaze and perform an action by holding the focus for a moment. This concept is similar to the new scrolling feature in visionOS 3 and shows that Apple has already tested the technology.
Presentation expected at WWDC
The official announcement of visionOS 3 is expected at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which begins on Monday, June 9. Apple is expected to present all the new features in detail there. Eye-scrolling is likely to be one of the key features, as it significantly changes and further automates the user experience.
Scrolling with your eyes: What's new in visionOS 3
With visionOS 3, Apple is bringing a new type of control to the Vision Pro. Eye-scrolling is a logical evolution of the previous gaze interaction. You no longer need hand gestures to navigate through content. Instead, your gaze takes over. The feature will be available in all system apps, and developers will have the opportunity to integrate it into their own applications. The launch is expected at WWDC on June 9. Need useful tips for your Apple Vision Pro? Discover everything you need to know about your new Apple device here – enjoy reading! (Image: Shutterstock / pio3)
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