The Wall Street Journal and various outlets have reported that Apple is encountering difficulties in marketing the Vision Pro, a sophisticated augmented reality device retailing for $3,500. Although there are rumors suggesting that the headset may be quietly phased out, Apple seems resolute. On Monday, Apple conducted its yearly Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), during which it revealed a variety of new capabilities for the Vision Pro.

The WWDC 2025 announcements featured the introduction of Liquid Glass, a new aesthetic for Apple software, alongside a fresh naming convention for its operating systems. Rather than iOS 19, we will now see iOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, and tvOS 26. Given the swift updates at WWDC, it’s possible some Vision Pro developments were overshadowed, including the imminent launch of visionOS 26 this fall.

Vision Pro will undergo a complimentary software upgrade with visionOS 26. While iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe are set for a fall launch, the Vision Pro press notification did not delineate a specific rollout schedule. Nevertheless, an Apple spokesperson verified that visionOS 26 will also be accessible this fall, with the developer beta already available.

The WWDC 2025 presentation spotlighted nearly a dozen enhancements for Vision Pro headsets, featuring new gaming elements, business tools, and compatibility with GoPro wide-field video content.

visionOS 26 brings forth new widget functionalities, enabling users to position three-dimensional widgets into their visual realm, resize, and personalize them. For example, the Clock widget can be affixed to a wall in the living room, the Photos app widget can serve as an additional window, and the weather app can mimic a portal to the outdoors.

In Photos, users can fabricate 3D spatial scenes from 2D images, and several websites and applications can now be utilized through spatial browsing. Websites can now provide experiences customized for Vision Pro users, such as embedding 3D objects that users can “pull” into their environment. A video preview showcased at WWDC revealed a user relocating a piece of furniture from Safari into their surroundings.

Apple is further incorporating new sharing and social functionalities. Users can create a floating 3D avatar, known as a Persona, for communication and other interactive features. With visionOS 26, Personas will be more expressive and intricate.

Regarding social interactions, Apple showcased two individuals utilizing Vision Pro headsets to enjoy a film together. However, no budget-friendly Vision Pro headset was introduced at WWDC.

Apple is also launching new enterprise capabilities. Users can store Vision Pro eye and hand configurations, vision prescriptions, and accessibility preferences on their iPhones, simplifying the use of a shared team headset. A novel “for your eyes only” security function will prevent others from accessing confidential information.

Some users have observed a shortage of third-party applications, and with visionOS 26, Apple has unveiled new enterprise APIs to entice more developers. The company now accommodates wide-field videos from GoPro, Insta360, and Canon.

Innovative control techniques for Vision Pro include “Look To Scroll” functionality and air drawing with the Logitech Muse spatial stylus.

For VR gaming, Vision Pro users can recently utilize PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, and visionOS 26 improves hand movement tracking to 90Hz.

In summary, Vision Pro owners are poised for substantial new features and updates later this year. For those who are uncertain about the $3,500 headset, there is a prevailing belief that if any company can master augmented reality, it’s Apple. Over a year post-launch, the Vision Pro remains unparalleled, save for its portrayal in science fiction.