This week, Apple debuted a visionOS 2.2 Beta Release of the operating system behind the Vision Pro spatial computing device. While the beta 2.2 release may not reflect the final public release of the next OS update, the trickles of information will provide some insight into the next step of the headset.
Currently, news from Apple regarding the Vision Pro is not as extensive as earlier in the year. Last month, Apple debuted a series of new hardware updates for its broader portfolio. Still, Apple did not update its spatial computing portfolio, with only rumours swirling the news cycle.
However, with visionOS 2.2 Beta, engineers can finally get first-party updates regarding the hardware. visionOS 2.2 appears to enhance support for MR application development on the device. The beta update includes Xcode 16.2 integration, a framework for testing features on Apple’s entire product portfolio.
VisionOS 2.2 and Xcode 16.2 are available to early adopters via the Mac App Store. Moreover, visionOS 2.2 improves SwiftUI, a common space for Vision Pro updates. The beta update fixes SwiftUI issues, namely errors in compiling Swift 6 language modes.
The news comes after leading workplace solutions providers worked hard to bring collaboration software to Vision Pro. Cisco Webex recently launched spatial meetings, incorporating XR features into its popular video conferencing platform, enhancing meeting experiences with greater immersion. This update also improves support for the Apple Vision Pro headset.
With a straightforward software upgrade, users can transform any space equipped with a Cisco Room Bar Pro into an immersive studio. This allows teams to deliver spatial video to Webex users using the Apple Vision Pro, a headset designed for workplace use.
Moreover, Apple is equally scaling international availability of the headset leading into 2025, with Vision Pro landing in United Arab Emirates (UAE) regions on November 15th.
Moreover, Apple announced earlier this year that Vision Pro will receive another update before the end of the year, which will introduce updates for Mac Virtual Display.
visionOS 2: Features and Updates
In September, Apple introduced visionOS 2 after a series of beta update rollouts. In version 2.0, Apple introduced physical mouse integration to facilitate navigation and precision within Vision Pro applications. This integration is paired with optimizations for the Magic Keyboard, which allows users to quickly locate their physical keyboard while fully immersed in a virtual environment.
Notably, the visionOS 2 update brought new accessibility features to enhance productivity. One significant addition is the Live Captions mode, which provides users with real-time transcriptions of speech, audio, and video content. Additionally, the Look to Dictate feature now functions within the Messages application, helping to streamline response times.
The visionOS 2 update enhances the device’s spatial recording capabilities, enabling users to capture 3D recordings—such as photos or videos—and view them on a Vision Pro or iOS device.
Improvements have also been made to the Persona avatar feature, allowing users to communicate via devices or through Persona-compatible communication services like Microsoft Teams. The updated Persona system includes more accurate skin tones, new clothing colours, enhanced hand movements, and additional virtual backgrounds for FaceTime or third-party video calls.
Furthermore, SharePlay has received new Persona integrations, enabling users’ avatars to watch spatial recordings together. With visionOS 2, Apple is optimizing user input by introducing new hand gestures that allow users to quickly access the home screen, check battery levels, adjust device volume, and access the Control Center.
Finally, the visionOS 2 update includes a feature that saves recent guests’ eye and hand data—such as coworkers or friends—for 30 days.
