Apple to bring Apple Intelligence to Vision Pro in major software update

Apple Inc. is set to enhance its Vision Pro headset with the introduction of Apple Intelligence, an upgraded guest user mode, and a dedicated spatial content app. 

These new features will be part of the visionOS 2.4 software update, which is expected to roll out as early as April. According to sources familiar with the matter, a beta version for developers could be available as soon as this week.

Apple brings AI to Vision Pro as Samsung expands mixed reality efforts

For the first time, Apple is extending its artificial intelligence tools beyond the iPhone, iPad, and Mac to the Vision Pro. Through Apple Intelligence, the Vision Pro will support Writing Tools, Genmojis, and the Image Playground app. The headset’s Mac M2 chip and 16GB memory capacity permit on-device AI processing to boost system performance and efficiency.

The competition within mixed-reality technology continues to escalate. Google announced its Android XR operating system with Gemini AI platform integration, and Samsung developed a Vision Pro equivalent headset, which will be released sometime this year.  

Apple’s Vision Pro may have started the buzz, but Samsung isn’t taking a backseat. Samsung’s ambitious mixed-reality headset, Project Moohan, is a serious headset with the potential to dominate the already crowded VR space. And the best part? It’s designed to work seamlessly with Android. While Apple launched its products in a closed environment, Samsung is focusing on an open system that is easy to use.

Samsung is developing the headset in partnership with Google. It runs on Android XR, an OS designed specifically for headsets and smart glasses. Samsung plans to launch Project Moohan for developers first, but it won’t be available right away for consumers.

Apple expands Vision Pro features amid mixed reality challenges

Apple is introducing an innovative spatial content app that presents 3D images and panoramic content obtained from multiple sources. The tech firm struggles to produce content for spatial media, so the company seeks to build more interest in this domain.  

Apple will also deliver its immersive Arctic surfing video through the TV app on Vision Pro starting February 21. Although Apple continues to develop its AI capabilities, this software update will not feature new Siri functionality. However, the Writing Tools feature will now incorporate OpenAI’s ChatGPT integration.  

The update provides enhanced guest user mode functionality, which enables easy device sharing for Vision Pro users. The setup process will now function through an iPhone, enabling users to determine which apps their guests can use. The updated feature enables household users to use the device more comfortably, boosting device usage and sales.  

Despite launching the Vision Pro a year ago, the Apple project faces difficulties in reaching broad market adoption because of its expensive $3,500 price and insufficient content options. After shelving its rumored plans for Mac-tethered augmented reality glasses, Apple continues to develop its mixed-reality product range. The project discontinuation was met with widespread disappointment and skepticism.

Macworld argued that the company had killed off the wrong Vision Pro project, while many pundits questioned its appetite for fighting in what could be an important future market.

Still, according to respected Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple hasn’t given up on the AR market. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, he writes that the tech firm still wants to release a pair of standalone AR glasses at some point. However, after Vision Pro’s disappointing performance, Gurman notes that Apple has become cautious and wants to avoid another failure in the near term.

For now, Apple continues to develop its spatial computing vision through its Vision Pro software improvements, which it expects will drive the necessary momentum to revive consumer interest and increase adoption.

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