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Apple visionOS : everything we know so far

With the reveal of a VR headset from Apple, we look to the OS powering it

Updated: Aug 1, 2023 10:18 am
Apple visionOS : everything we know so far

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In its introduction to the headset, Apple has confirmed their upcoming VR/AR headset is going to be powered by visionOS rather than xrOS. Previous rumors for the upcoming Apple Vision Pro labeled the operating system as xrOS, though we now know that this isn’t the case. WWDC 2023 was a success, with Apple announcing a bunch of new products and software updates for their range of operating systems – including iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, and tvOS 17, and now a new addition to the lineup in visionOS is on the way.

Coming with the Apple Vision Pro release date, visionOS is slowly being revealed to the world beyond it’s initial reveal. Although a lot of focus was on the headset itself, Apple have been showing off the kind of features included in visionOS. This VR headset is a step into another market for Apple. It would come not long after the announcement of Meta’s Quest 3 as both look to capture a bigger market. So what is the OS running it?

What is Apple visionOS / Apple xrOS?

Apple visionOS is the operating system which will be running on Apple’s latest product reveal: the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality headset. In other words, it provide both VR and AR capabilities. It’s a whole new system for Apple devs to play around, all to reach a wider range of users and markets to fight in. However, early looks at the Vision Pro suggest it’s designed with work in mind more than gaming, a stark contrast to something like PSVR2.

Earlier rumors came from MacRumors, who reported on how the xrOS trademark was submitted by an Apple shell company ‘Deep Dive LLC’ for the xrOS. And so it is where the rumors started, and we believe it could stand for ‘extended reality operating system’. However, this is probably a codename used by Apple in-house, and the consumer name for the operating system is the more recognizable visionOS.

Apple visionOS release date window

Apple visionOS is going to launch alongside the mixed reality headset. And in fact, the headset is launching in early 2024 in the United States, with the rest of the world later on in that year. That’s the latest we know about the release date the Apple Vision Pro and Apple visionOS as per official announcements from the WWDC.

We’ll be keeping you updated with the latest prediction when more news or rumors emerges. Considering the device is priced at $3,499 on launch, we’ll have to wait and see what developers do with the device – more on the progress of that just below.

Apple visionOS beta & developer kit news

Speaking of developers, they are starting to get a better understanding of the new operating system, especially as visionOS developer betas are being released early on, currently sitting at visionOS beta 2 as of July 25th, 2023. In addition to that, Apple are sending out Dev Kits for the Vision Pro to select developers, as the only other option right now is via an Xcode beta which emulates the mixed reality headset virtually. One user did point out that the rules of use of certainly strict!

visionOS developer kit rules tweet
Source: @DylanMcD8 on Twitter / X

Most recently, developers can apply to visit a Vision Pro developer lab (in a number of locations) for testing of your app on a Vision Pro headset – the full details can be found here.

Apple visionOS features – what we know so far and other rumors

It’s still early days for visionOS, but Apple revealed a bunch of features which make up visionOS, which are of course designed for use with the Vision Pro headset. Considering that the SDK for visionOS is currently listed (at the time of writing) as ‘coming later this month’ on the Apple developer site, there is still some time before developers can actually get a chance to work with Apple visionOS frameworks such as SwiftUI, RealityKit, and ARKit.

Here’s some features which Apple revealed during their WWDC keynote on June 5th, followed by current rumored features.

3D interface

The three dimensional interface is the key to working inside visionOS. Apple says this offers ‘infinite spatial canvas’ in which you can operate in VR. This includes the creation of windows, 3D volumes, and spaces. In what they a ‘Full Space’, apps can create windows and volumes, including 3D content, to surround and immerse you within an environment or your own real-life surroundings.

Input system & gestures

Gestures are an important part of navigating visionOS. Although you have the option to use voice commands with Siri, gestures give you a way to control your windows and so on within VR without the need for a controller (like we see on other VR headsets). Inputting information or navigating windows can be done by simple using your vision and fingers to interact.

Speaking of vision, the Eyesight feature on the Apple Vision Pro projects your eyes on to the front display and lets you see when someone approaches, while letting them know what you’re currently focused on.

App store

The App store has been redesigned within visionOS for optimal use. Here you can of course find what you’d expect in the Apple App Store, including games from the Apple Arcade you may be familiar with from your iPad or iPhone. There will also be apps designed specifically for visionOS too – and many more will be on their way in future. Part of the App Store redesign is about making it work well with the input system in visionOS for a seamless browsing experience.

Other rumored features

Earlier rumors courtesy of Mark Gurman from Bloomberg gives an insight as to what visionOS might be capable of. These will be expanded on as it is announced but what might be expected for a VR device in the Apple ecosystem.

  • Facetime in VR
  • Immersive video watching with Apple Spatial Audio, AirPods Pro 2, and Apple TV Plus
  • Virtual Apple Fitness Plus
  • In-air virtual keyboard
  • Virtual content creation apps
  • Mac and macOS integration
  • AR and VR gaming

Apple visionOS / Apple xrOS FAQs

What operating system does Apple Vision Pro use?

Apple Vision Pro runs on visionOS. Early rumors were calling this xrOS, but this seems to be either a codename or in-house name used by Apple previously.

Does visionOS have an SDK?

The software development kit for visionOS is open for developers to use. Apple officially released the visionOS SDK on June 21, 2023, posting the news on their official developer website.


With a background in engineering and PC gaming, Seb is a staff writer with a focus on GPU, storage, and power supplies. Also one of tech supports in the office he likes helping and solving problems.

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