ApplevisionOS 26: Important Evolutions That Need New Device Support

VisionOS 26 expands the ability to convert 2D photos into spatial scenes. (photo; dock. apple)

JAKARTA - Apple officially released Vision 26 on September 15, 2025, and this update is one of the most exciting updates to Apple Vision Pro so far. However, recent reviews show that althoughvisionOS 26 brings many new features, its performance is starting to push the limits of the M2 chip capabilities used by this device and this is a strong signal that the next generation Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip will soon be needed.

Apple calls the concept spatial computing', and since the inaugural launch of Vision Pro in February 2024, the visionOS operating system has continued to develop to be more intuitive and sophisticated. visionOS 26 became the first really born update after a year Apple Vision Pro was on the market, making it more than just an iterative update.

The biggest feature invisionOS 26 is the spatial widgets, which allow users to paste interactive widgets in the real world. Starting from the weather, hours, to music, everything can be placed on the virtual walls of the house. However, this is where hardware limitations begin to feel.

Fovea-based rendering (foveated rendering) helps reduce the processor load by simply rendering the area that is seen directly by the eye, but when the user turns around, several widgets are seen re-refreshing which takes 3-4 seconds. This interferes with the experience because the widget should feel 'adjoint' with the real world.

visionOS 26 also expands the ability to convert 2D photos into spatial scenes. This feature allows users to see photos with depth effects that can be seen from various head angles. Although the invisible area in the original photo only appears as a blur, this effect still brings a living sensation to the photo, just like when Apple introduced Live Photos on the iPhone.

The next step you have been waiting for is the ability to convert 4K videos into 3D videos in real-time features that will become game changers if they are successfully presented.

Apple also brings a number of quality-of-life improvements onvisionOS 26, such as the ability to lock an application window on a flat surface. The locked window will remain in the same place, even after Vision Pro is restarted, giving the impression that the virtual workspace is completely attached to the physical location.

In addition, the Control Center is now redesigned into a full page that is more accessible. Home View also eventually supports the creation of an application folder, so that the display is neater.

visionOS 26 presents a new button for sharing app windows through FaceTime or other Vision Pro devices. This opens up opportunities for more immersive virtual collaboration, including working together or watching content with other people in the virtual world.

Apple is now adding support for PSVR2 controllers, opening up more serious gaming possibilities on this platform. However, until now there has been no big game that takes advantage of this feature, and M2 is likely to be the main limit to delivering high-end VR experiences such as Resident Evil 7.

Although thevisionOS 26 brings a lot of updates, some shortcomings are still striking. The compatible iPad app list hasn't increased since 2023, important features like Find My and the Contact app are still out, and some built-in systems haven't fully worked yet.

This raises concerns that Apple could repeat iPadOS errors, which have experienced a stagnation period for several years. In order for visionOS to actually become a computational future', Apple needs to accelerate the development of productivity features and strengthen its app ecosystem.

visionOS 26 is an important step forward, introducing a new way of interacting with the digital world through spatial widgets, spatial scenes, and more mature multitasking systems. However, its performance is starting to feel limited by the M2 chip, so that the next generation Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip is highly anticipated.

Excess:

Spatial widgets bring a new interactive experience

Spatial photos and scenes present the depth of the photo

PSVR2 support opens up wider gaming opportunities

Home View is now neater with application folders

Capability to lock app windows increases productivity

Lacks:

The list of compatible iPad applications does not increase

No Find My and built-in Contact apps

Developer support is still minimal

Performance began to be limited by old hardware

visionOS 26 shows the future of this platform, but Apple must immediately present new hardware and expand its support for the app so that Vision Pro can meet its potential.