Apple unveils impressive upgrades in VisionOS 26 for Vision Pro headset

In June 2025, at Apple's WWDC, the company unveiled the latest upgrades to its Vision Pro headset with the release of VisionOS 26. This operating system update introduces several enhancements, including the new Personas feature that allows users to create more realistic virtual avatars. Unlike previous versions, the scanning technology now captures greater detail, including the sides of people's heads. This change also means that, during FaceTime, users will see a more accurate representation of themselves, as Apple has eliminated the cropping that previously obscured parts of the avatar. One of the most notable features in VisionOS 26 is the introduction of widgets that can be pinned to virtual walls and surfaces. During the demonstrations, users experienced a captivating virtual environment where widgets appeared as realistic elements within their virtual rooms. This immersive effect was enhanced when users approached the displayed widgets, feeling as if they could interact with them in a tangible way. However, these interactive features are not yet ready for Apple's other Vision 3D environment backgrounds, which will likely be introduced later this year as developers create compatible applications. Despite the advancements in VisionOS, Apple has yet to implement AI features enabled by cameras, which are already being developed by competitors like Google for Android XR. While the lack of camera-enabled AI is a disappointment, the collaborative upgrades and visual enhancements in VisionOS 26 have left users, including those at Apple Park, pleasantly surprised by the future of the technology. Apple acknowledges it still needs to make further improvements to ensure Vision Pro users feel that they are wearing a fully functional, face-mounted computer. Overall, the updates showcased at WWDC marks a significant leap toward making the Vision Pro headset more user-friendly and immersive, with the upgraded Personas feature enabling richer social interactions through virtual representations. As the technology evolves, it promises to enhance user experiences in both virtual spaces and applications. However, there remains much work ahead for Apple to truly embrace and integrate AI capabilities into its mixed-reality offerings.