VisionOS 2 to introduce spatial photo conversion, new hand gestures, more about Apple Vision Pro

VisionOS 2 was unveiled by Apple during the keynote session of its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024. The company is introducing several new changes to the operating system’s interface and adding new features and hand gestures. With an upcoming software update, users will also be able to convert any regular photos in the Photos app to 3D-enabled Spatial photos. Additionally, the Cupertino-based tech giant is also adding a home screen customization feature for Apple Vision Pro. The visionOS 2 developer beta is available.

visionOS 2 can turn ordinary photos into spatial photos

Spatial Photos is an exclusive feature of Apple Vision Pro that allows users to see photos in 3D, with added depth perception. Previously, only photos taken on Apple devices as 3D photos showed this effect. But now, with visionOS 2, users can turn any image in the Photos app into a spatial photo.

These images can also be shared with others with SharePlay in the Photos app or through the spatial Persona. The company is also adding an update to Final Cut Pro to allow creators to edit spatial videos on Mac devices to add immersive effects. Users will also be able to share spatial videos using the Vimeo app for Vision Pro.

visionOS 2 brings new hand gestures

To help Vision Pro users get to Home View and Control Center quickly, Apple introduced two new hand gestures with visionOS 2. A simple tap of the index finger and thumb will call up Home View, while turning your wrist from landscape to landscape will show the time . Tapping your fingers in this position will take the user to the Control Center. There are gestures to check the battery level and adjust the volume.

visionOS 2 gets a bigger Mac virtual screen

With the software update, Vision Pro users will get a larger Mac Virtual Display when the device is connected to a Mac. Currently, the headset sports a single 5K screen, but the company claims that with visionOS 2, users will see an ultrawide display equivalent to two 4K monitors side-by-side.

In addition, Vision Pro will now support connecting a mouse instead of just trackpads and will show a physical Magic Keyboard while in the virtual environment.

Customizing the visionOS 2 home screen

Many users complained about not being able to change the layout of apps on the home screen. Apple addresses this with visionOS 2 as users will now be able to place app icons, including iPhone and iPad apps, wherever they want.

Furthermore, users will now be able to share their Vision Pro device with a family member, friend or colleague by adding them as a guest and having their eye and hand data saved for 30 days.

Other notable features in visionOS 2

• Users can now watch web videos on websites like YouTube, Netflix and Amazon while using Safari.
• Apple TV will offer multi-view support for Apple Vision Pro with up to five simultaneous streams playing together.
• The Mindfulness app is getting a new Follow Your Breathing feature that displays animations and plays sound to mimic the user’s breathing patterns.
• System-wide live subtitles are coming to wearable devices.
• With AirPlay, users can watch content from an iPhone, iPad or Mac on the Vision Pro.

Specifically, the visionOS 2 developer beta is currently available to eligible members of Apple’s developer program.