visionOS 2: Apple's Vision Pro Gets a Major Update, Bringing New Features into Focus

Apple has officially rolled out visionOS 2, a long-awaited update for the Vision Pro headset, bringing with it a range of much-needed improvements. With new gestures, Bluetooth mouse support, and exciting new features like converting photos into 3D spatial images, visionOS 2 refines the Vision Pro experience for its users. While not a groundbreaking overhaul, the update smooths out many early issues and adds features that improve usability, making it a more enticing platform for the early adopters — and those still considering Apple’s first venture into mixed reality.

Enhancing the Basics with visionOS 2

The visionOS 2 update focuses on refining the essentials of the Vision Pro, including features that arguably should have been part of the original release. One of the most notable updates is the addition of Bluetooth mouse support, allowing users to navigate with precision. Alongside this, Apple has finally enabled the option to rearrange apps on the homescreen, which were previously locked in alphabetical order. This small change brings a lot of flexibility to users who want a more organized app layout.

Moreover, users can now pull iPhone and iPad apps out of their default folder and place them alongside Vision Pro-native apps, offering greater control over the homescreen experience. While users are still unable to create new folders — a feature that would greatly enhance app management for those with over three pages of apps — this is a step in the right direction.

Natural Gestures for a Seamless Experience

visionOS 2 introduces new gesture controls that make navigating the Vision Pro more intuitive. A simple tap of your fingers summons the homescreen, and flipping your hand over reveals a status bar that shows the time, battery level, and volume. These gestures not only make the experience more fluid but also add a layer of enjoyment to the interaction.

Apple has also made it easier to access Control Center or adjust the volume by tapping and holding the status bar. This replaces the older, more cumbersome method of looking up to bring control widgets down, making it more natural and responsive. For those who prefer traditional controllers, visionOS 2 now supports Bluetooth game controllers, including Nintendo Joy-Cons, further enhancing the experience.

Productivity Gets a Boost

With visionOS 2, the Vision Pro is also shaping up to be a more effective tool for productivity. The introduction of Keyboard Awareness allows the keyboard to pop through the virtual environment, either persistently or when your hands are near it. This eliminates the need to fumble for keys, making it much easier to type efficiently. However, Apple notes that this feature works best with its own keyboards, and while some third-party keyboards are supported, their functionality may be inconsistent.

Unfortunately, one highly anticipated feature is still missing: the curved ultrawide virtual display announced during WWDC. Apple promises this feature will arrive later this year, but for now, users will need to make do without it.

Fun Features: 3D Photos and Immersive Video

On the entertainment front, visionOS 2 introduces the ability to convert regular photos into 3D spatial pictures, adding a new dimension to cherished memories. This feature is similar to retroactive portrait mode on the iPhone, but with mixed results. While the effect can be impressive, it doesn’t always work smoothly, particularly with tricky elements like hair and glasses.

In addition, watching videos in Safari has received an upgrade. When users tap the full-screen button, the browser disappears, leaving a floating video that can be switched into immersive mode, turning it into a large, cinematic display that casts light onto the environment around it. This enhancement makes up for the lack of native apps like YouTube and Netflix, though third-party apps like Juno and Supercut remain solid alternatives for those services.

WebXR and Gaming Potential

Safari in visionOS 2 now supports WebXR by default, opening the door to web-based VR and AR experiences. However, early impressions of the WebXR games on offer have been mixed, with many not working seamlessly with Vision Pro's gesture controls. As the platform grows, we can expect to see better-optimized games and applications in the future.

Is It Time to Invest in the Vision Pro?

Despite the positive changes in visionOS 2, the Vision Pro’s hefty price tag of ₹2,90,000 ($3,499) still poses a barrier for most potential buyers. While this update adds much-needed functionality and polish, it doesn’t address all of the concerns raised in early reviews, such as its limited field of view and the isolated experience of using the headset. For now, Apple’s Vision Pro remains a premium product for enthusiasts and developers, with broader adoption likely to depend on future updates and possible cheaper models.

Nonetheless, visionOS 2 is a clear signal that Apple is committed to making the Vision Pro a success, and it shows the company's willingness to listen to early user feedback and continue improving its platform. Whether you're using the Vision Pro for work, entertainment, or mixed-reality experiences, this update makes the headset more compelling than ever before.

Key Features of visionOS 2:

• Bluetooth mouse and game controller support

• New intuitive hand gestures for easier navigation

• Ability to rearrange apps on the homescreen

• Keyboard Awareness for seamless typing

• 3D spatial photo conversion

• Improved video watching in Safari with immersive mode

• WebXR support for VR and AR experiences

While visionOS 2 doesn’t fix everything, it moves the Vision Pro in the right direction, making it a more well-rounded device for both work and play.