Apple released visionOS 26 on September 15, 2025, bringing significant enhancements to its spatial computing platform for the Apple Vision Pro. This major update introduces groundbreaking features that push the boundaries of mixed reality experiences, making spatial computing more intuitive and powerful than ever before.
Apple Intelligence Expansion
One of the most significant updates in visionOS 26 is the expansion of Apple Intelligence support to multiple languages. The platform now supports Apple Intelligence in Simplified Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish, making spatial computing accessible to a global audience (source: Apple Developer).
Foundation Models Framework
Developers now have unprecedented access to Apple’s on-device AI capabilities through the new Foundation Models framework. This allows apps to directly tap into the large language model that powers many Apple Intelligence features, enabling more sophisticated AI-powered experiences without compromising user privacy (source: Apple Developer).
Enhanced Spatial Experiences
visionOS 26 delivers what Apple calls “groundbreaking spatial experiences” that fundamentally change how users interact with digital content in three-dimensional space (source: Apple Australia).
Improved Volumetric APIs
The platform features enhanced volumetric APIs that give developers more control over 3D content rendering and manipulation. These improvements allow for more complex and realistic spatial objects that can interact naturally with the user’s environment (source: Apple Developer Videos).
SwiftUI, RealityKit, and ARKit Integration
Developers can now better combine the power of SwiftUI, RealityKit, and ARKit to create more seamless and integrated experiences. This unified approach simplifies development while enabling more sophisticated spatial applications.
User Interface Enhancements
Persistent Widgets
One of the most user-facing improvements is the introduction of widgets that “stay put” in your spatial environment. These persistent widgets can remain anchored to specific locations in your space, providing quick access to information and controls without cluttering your view (source: Apple Australia).
Safari in 3D
Web browsing gets a spatial makeover with Safari now offering true 3D experiences. This enhancement transforms how users interact with web content, making browsing more immersive while maintaining the familiar Safari interface and functionality (source: Apple Australia).
Performance and Input Improvements
Faster Hand Tracking
visionOS 26 introduces significantly improved hand tracking performance, making gesture-based interactions more responsive and accurate. This enhancement reduces latency and improves the overall user experience when manipulating objects in space (source: Apple Developer Videos).
Spatial Accessories Support
The platform now includes enhanced support for spatial accessories, expanding input options beyond hand tracking and eye movement. This opens up new possibilities for professional applications and gaming experiences (source: Apple Developer Videos).
Gaming and Entertainment
Enhanced Gaming Capabilities
Game developers can now create more engaging experiences using the improved hand tracking and spatial accessory support. The enhanced volumetric APIs also enable more realistic and interactive game worlds that blend seamlessly with the user’s physical environment.
Immersive Entertainment
The combination of improved spatial experiences and 3D web browsing creates new opportunities for entertainment content, from interactive media to educational experiences that take full advantage of the spatial computing paradigm.
Developer Tools and SDK
Xcode 26 Integration
The visionOS 26 SDK comes bundled with Xcode 26, providing developers with the latest tools for building spatial applications. The development environment has been optimized for creating apps that take advantage of all the new platform features (source: Apple Developer).
Testing and Development
Developers can test their applications against the latest API changes and implement new features using comprehensive documentation and release notes provided by Apple.
Availability and Compatibility
visionOS 26 is available now for Apple Vision Pro devices. The update represents Apple’s continued commitment to advancing spatial computing technology and making it more accessible to users worldwide.
The release of visionOS 26 on September 15, 2025, alongside updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, demonstrates Apple’s integrated approach to software development across its entire ecosystem (source: Apple Newsroom).
Conclusion
visionOS 26 represents a significant leap forward in spatial computing technology. With expanded Apple Intelligence support, enhanced developer tools, improved user interfaces, and better performance, this update positions the Apple Vision Pro as a more capable and accessible platform for both consumers and developers. The combination of AI integration, improved spatial experiences, and enhanced input methods creates new possibilities for how we interact with digital content in three-dimensional space.
