Apple Vision Pro headset receives much-needed features in latest update

The Apple Vision Pro headset, one year after its launch, is finally getting some key features that many users felt were missing, thanks to the release of VisionOS 2.4. These include the introduction of Apple Intelligence, enhanced iPhone and iPad integration, and the long-awaited Guest Mode. While these features are still in beta testing, the official rollout is expected in April.

Apple Intelligence is arguably the most exciting new feature, bringing familiar AI tools already seen on Apple’s other devices. These include text and image generation tools, like Apple's GenMoji for creating emojis and Image Playground for making 2D images. However, Vision Pro’s AI still lacks 3D content creation and the much-anticipated Visual Intelligence, which scans and identifies objects in the real world. The absence of this capability is notable, especially considering that Google has already rolled out a similar feature on Android XR. While Visual Intelligence might arrive later this year, it’s unlikely to be part of this update.

Alongside Apple Intelligence, Apple is improving how the Vision Pro interacts with other Apple devices. A new iPhone app allows remote downloading of apps, syncing notifications, and managing headset settings. Additionally, the new Guest Mode feature is designed to make it easier for others to use the Vision Pro. When someone else puts on the headset, nearby iPhones or iPads can connect and stream what’s happening in the headset, enabling you to guide them through the experience. However, the app doesn’t allow remote control of apps, limiting its functionality for now.

Finally, Apple is launching a new app called Spatial Gallery, which offers curated 3D photos and videos captured in Apple’s spatial format. This new content is intended to enrich the Vision Pro experience, though the quality of available 3D content remains limited. High-end immersive video production is still a challenge, and Apple's current focus appears to be bridging the gap by leveraging basic 3D capture capabilities from iPhones.

These updates are promising, but the true potential of the Vision Pro will depend on future advancements, particularly in immersive 3D content creation and deeper AI integration. For now, the Vision Pro is slowly but surely becoming a more versatile and accessible device.