Just a week ahead of Apple’s WWDC event next week, Meta is sparking interest in social media-based spatial computing experiences, perhaps in a bid to volley off potential market interest stemming from new Vision Pro news next week.
According to Meta, its Reality Labs XR division is working with the Instagram application to test 3D photos that appear directly on Quest users’ feeds.
Meta claims the app’s goal is “to continue improving the way people connect on Quest.” Moreover, the spatial photo update appears to create a way to leverage Horizon OS further.
The move comes as part of the Meta Quest version 77 update, which also leverages AI view synthesis algorithms that converts 2D photos into 3D visualisations ready for Quest users.
Alongside v77 spatial photo updates, other new features include Navigator, a new dashboard for Quest that allows users to navigate XR applications and device management options simply.
Other updates include a Horizon for PC application, spatial audio options, Bluetooth LE audio, text-to-speech, and new Meta AI options.
This news comes just as Google I/O showcases new commitments to XR and just as WWDC rolls around with the expected release of a new Vision Pro.
WWDC 2025 Could Redefine Vision Pro’s Role
Next week, Apple will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference at Apple Park from June 9 to 13, 2025. The showcase will highlight Apple’s innovations across its product lineup, including the Vision Pro.
Earlier this year at CES, NVIDIA featured the Vision Pro as part of its technology offerings for physical AI developments, indicating that we can expect more enterprise-focused advancements during WWDC 2025.
The event will be free to view online through the Apple Developer app, the Apple Developer website, and the Apple Developer YouTube channel. The live stream will include the keynote address and the Platform’s State of the Union, both taking place on June 9. Moreover, on June 9, there will be opportunities for in-person consultations with Apple experts and group labs.
As speculation about Vision Pro announcements increases, Apple’s spatial computing vision is clearly a central theme at WWDC, with sessions such as deep dives into visionOS group labs. While no official announcements have been made yet, anticipation is building.
