Latest news with #visionOS
The Verge
4 days ago
- The Verge
Apple releases public betas of its new software updates with Liquid Glass
Apple has officially released the first public betas for its next major software updates. The list of new betas includes iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26. The biggest thing you'll notice about the software updates is that they have a new design language Apple is calling 'Liquid Glass.' The design language is inspired by visionOS and, as the name implies, features a lot of transparency. I felt it was a wild change to my iPhone when I tried the first developer beta, and Apple has already tweaked some of the translucency and changed how Control Center looks and in subsequent betas. The new operating systems also have an updated numbering scheme: they now all end with 26, taking cues from how the car industry names its cars after the following year. It's a simpler and better system, if you ask me, and it should make it easier to know if you're on the newest software or not. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All by Jay Peters Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Apple Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All iOS Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All macOS Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All News Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. See All Tech
Mint
16-07-2025
- Mint
Apple's next-gen Public Betas may drop next week – iOS, macOS, watchOS included: Gurman
Apple is expected to roll out public beta versions of its upcoming operating systems, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26, as early as next week, reported Macrumors. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the release could happen on or around Wednesday, 23 July. This timeline aligns with Apple's usual software update cycle, which typically sees public betas arrive a few weeks after the developer previews. The public beta programme will likely cover a wide range of software updates this year. These could include iOS 26 for iPhones, iPadOS 26 for iPads, macOS 26 for Mac computers, tvOS 26 for Apple TV, watchOS 26 for Apple Watch, and HomePod Software 26. Additionally, Apple is expected to make new firmware available for AirPods as part of the beta testing phase. However, Apple has confirmed on its website that it does not intend to release a public beta of visionOS 26, the software powering its Vision Pro headset. This decision suggests that visionOS remains in a more controlled phase of testing, likely due to the limited number of Vision Pro units in circulation and the specialised nature of the platform. Anyone interested in testing the new software ahead of the official launch can sign up for Apple's Beta Software Programme at no cost. Once enrolled, users will be able to download and install the trial versions of the software on their devices. As is always advised with beta releases, users should ensure their data is backed up in case any bugs or performance issues arise during testing. For developers, the beta versions of all the listed software have already been available for some time, the report added. Reportedly, Apple made a key policy change a few years ago, allowing anyone with an Apple Developer account to access early software builds without paying the $99 annual fee traditionally required for the Apple Developer Programme. Nevertheless, members of the general public are encouraged to wait for the public beta releases, which are generally more stable than the initial developer builds.
Mint
10-07-2025
- Mint
Apple's Vision Pro is getting new version this year with a faster chip and more: Here's what to expect
Apple is preparing a refresh for its Vision Pro headset that's expected to arrive as soon as later this year. Yes, you read that right - Apple Vision Pro's latest iteration could be released in 2025. While this update will not be a complete overhaul, it marks an important step for a product that has struggled to gain mainstream traction since its launch. The most significant change will be the move to Apple's M4 chip, replacing the M2 found in the original model. The M4 brings a more powerful CPU and GPU, along with a Neural Engine featuring more cores. This should translate to faster performance, smoother multitasking, and improved handling of AI-driven features within visionOS. The update is also expected to improve efficiency, though the real-world impact will only be clear once the device is in users' hands. Another notable change is a redesigned strap. While the headset's weight is expected to remain largely the same, the new strap is designed to distribute pressure more evenly, which would reduce neck strain and head discomfort during longer sessions. This addresses one of the original Vision Pro's most common complaints, as many users found the headset heavy and uncomfortable after extended use. The original Vision Pro launched as Apple's first foray into 'spatial computing,' with the goal to blend virtual and augmented reality in a single device. It featured dual micro-OLED displays with a combined 23 million pixels, along with advanced eye and hand tracking, and a unique 'Optic ID' iris authentication system. Audio was handled by spatial audio pods, and the device ran on Apple's visionOS, supporting both immersive AR experiences and more traditional apps in a virtual space. Despite its technical achievements, the Vision Pro has struggled in the market. Sales have reportedly only reached a few hundred thousand units, a modest figure for an Apple product. The main issues cited are the high price, starting at $3,500 (about ₹ 3 lakhs) in the US along with comfort concerns, with the headset weighing around 600 to 650 grams plus an external battery pack. Many users have found it difficult to wear for long periods, limiting its appeal for both work and entertainment. A fully redesigned, significantly lighter Vision Pro is not expected until 2027. Until then, this year's update appears to be a stopgap, aimed at keeping Apple competitive in the mixed reality space and addressing the most immediate user complaints. The new model's improved chip and comfort-focused strap may help but the fundamental challenges of price and weight remain. For now, Apple's Vision Pro remains a technically impressive but niche device, with this year's update likely to offer incremental improvements rather than a dramatic shift in the product's fortunes.
Phone Arena
07-07-2025
- Phone Arena
Apple introduces visionOS 26 for Vision Pro, with support for VR games and more
This year's WWDC ( Worldwide Developers Conference ) is currently underway, and Apple has officially announced visionOS 26 for the Apple Vision Pro. The numbering is following the company's new naming convention, where every operating system will now be numbered after the succeeding year to its year of release. - Mike Rockwell, Vice President of the Vision Products Group, June 2025 VisionOS 26 brings a number of new improvements, including the following: Widgets that anchor in 3D space Adding depth to photos with Apple Intelligence Enhanced Personas that feel more natural Widgets can be placed around your surroundings, and they will be there whenever you next put on your Vision Pro . Apple demonstrated this with a clock widget placed on a wall, so that it actually looked like the user had a clock in their room. Artificial windows that look out on fantastic vistas can also be anchored to your walls. You won't want to take off your headset after seeing this. | Image credit — Apple One of the best new changes is support for third-party PSVR2 controllers. Users will be able to pair controllers from the PSVR2 with their Vision Pro to play existing VR games, which Apple's headset did not support previously. Using PSVR2 controllers with the Vision Pro. | Image credit — Apple As gaming remains the main reason that people buy VR headsets , this was sorely needed. I'm glad that Apple finally saw sense and stopped trying to do things its own way. Vision Pro will now also support 180-degree, 360-degree, and wide FOV ( Field of View ) content made using GoPro, Canon, or Insta360. Viewing spatial content on the Vision Pro. | Image credit — Apple Browsing on visionOS 26 will feel incredible, as "spatial browsing" using the Safari web browser will add depth to and completely transform webpages. "Look to Scroll" will let you scroll said webpages using just your eyes. Developers can even integrate 3D models into their websites. Vision Pro users can drag these models out of a webpage and into their rooms. This allows you to view the model up close, as well as check how large it is in your room. Fascinatingly, you will now be able to unlock your iPhone while wearing the Vision Pro headset. Spatial browsing on Apple Vision Pro. | Image credit — Apple Personas have been drastically improved. The new models look much better and more lifelike, and Apple promises improved details for hair, lashes, complexion, and more. These new Personas are, in my opinion, what Apple was likely trying to achieve last year when it announced the Vision Pro . A new Personas compared to the old one. | Image credit — Apple Spatial Scenes are also getting an upgrade, thanks to AI. In short: they'll feel more lifelike than before. Vision Pro owners will also be able to visit Jupiter in an amazing new way, which looks fantastic! Apple showed off the new Jupiter environment, where you'll be able to speed up time to see the gas giant experience multiple extraordinary storms. You can also answer incoming calls on your iPhone using your Vision Pro now. Meanwhile, Home View now supports folders for enhanced app sorting. The Control Center has also been redesigned for a more convenient user experience. Of course, Apple considers the Vision Pro a super useful tool for enterprise work. As such, the company has made strides to make its headset more appealing for companies than ever before. For example, Dassault Systèmes has designed an app called 3DLive, which lets Vision Pro users view and interact with 3D models in a shared virtual space. 3DLive app in action on the Apple Vision Pro. | Image credit — Apple Apple is also adding support for an accessory specifically made for the Vision Pro : the Logitech Muse. This pen-like device allows for super accurate input and new ways to interact with virtual elements in 3D space. Using the Logitech Muse with Vision Pro. | Image credit — Apple While Apple Intelligence could already add depth to photos before, visionOS 26 takes it much further this time. As Apple put it, you'll feel like you can lean into the photo that you're viewing. Spatial Scenes on Vision Pro will completely transform your photos. | Image credit — Apple Unfortunately, the company did not reveal any news about a possible Apple Vision Pro 2 or even an Apple Vision Air, though reports claim that such a device is definitely in the works. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Tom's Guide
29-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
iOS 26 brings big changes to your iPhone lock screen — what to expect
It's no secret that the look of your iPhone is going to change in the fall, thanks to the introduction of the new Liquid Glass interface ushered in by iOS 26. And that new appearance will be evident right away as you gaze at your iPhone's lock screen. iOS 26 brings those translucent elements and glassy typefaces to the lock screen that you'll find throughout the operating system update. But Apple is introducing a few other lock screen changes that should make your phone feel more dynamic even before you unlock it. It's certainly the most extensive change to the lock screen's look since the introduction of iOS 16 in 2022 that gave you the ability to customize the screen with widgets and other changes. I don't think the iOS 26 update introduces an overhaul on that scale, but the changes are significant enough that I've spent some time exploring them in the iOS 26 developer beta. Whether you've downloaded the iOS 26 developer beta yourself or you're waiting for the public beta to arrive next month, here's what you can expect once you've got iOS 26 installed on your phone and you're ready to dive into the lock screen changes. At WWDC 2025, Apple showed off Spatial Scenes, a photographic effect pulled from its visionOS software that adds depth to images. This 3D-like effect causes slight shifts in positioning as you shift perspective, giving the photo a multi-layered appearance. And it's now part of the iPhone courtesy of iOS 26. Specifically, you can convert an image in your photo library to a spatial scene, and then use that 3D-like image as the wallpaper for your lock screen. Not every iPhone capable of running iOS 26 will have access to Spatial Scenes — you'll need an iPhone 12 or later to pull off the look, which relies on advanced computer vision techniques powered by your phone's chipset. I'm not sure how well Apple's demo of Spatial Scenes came across during the WWDC keynote live stream, but seeing it in person in the iOS 26 developer beta drives home what an improvement this is. I've taken a decade-old photo of my daughter, converted it into a Spatial Scene and made that the lock screen wallpaper on my iOS 26 test device. As I move my phone, I can see the background shift behind her, and she practically seems to pop out of the phone. It definitely spruces up the look my home screen. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. To set a Spatial Scene as your lock screen wallpaper, you just create a customized lock screen in the same way you've been able to since iOS 16 debuted. Just press and hold on your lock screen and then tap the plus button at the bottom to create a new customized lock screen. Scroll down the list of featured wallpapers until you see a heading for Spatial Scenes. Under that header, you'll find a selection of photos that Apple's computer vision technology has identified as ideal for converting into a more 3D-like image. Once you select a photo, the Spatial Space conversion happens automatically. After it's done, you can pinch and zoom to crop the photo and adjust whether to extend the wallpaper or turn off the depth effect. From there, it's just a matter of making the usual adjustments to font, color, widget and Control Center shortcuts that you'd perform to finish customizing your lock screen. I should note that Spatial Scenes is not limited to the iOS 26 lock screen. You can also go into the iOS 26 Photos app and convert your existing 2D photos into Spatial scenes. Select a photo in your library and tap the Spatial Scenes icon just above the photo on the right side of your screen. The conversion to a Spatial Scene image happens automatically. If you've been bothered by the sight of your carefully curated photos leaving too much of a gap underneath the subject of the photo and the clock on the phone's lock screen, iOS 26 introduces a solution in the form of an adaptive time display. Now, Apple says that the size of the numerals in the clock will dynamic adjust to better fit into the scene. It's likely the vagaries of an early-stage developer beta, but I've found the adjustments only kick in when I do a little fiddling with my lock screen photo. Still, when I've gotten the effect to work, it's really quite eye-catching with the clock stretching to better accommodate my lock screen image. Playback controls on the lock screen have featured album art for a while now, but iOS 26 is giving them a boost that should pair nicely with the Liquid Glass interface that's now featured in the software. Artwork for some songs is now animated, and it's supposed to interact with the playback controls and their newfound glassiness. My guess is that this feature is largely geared toward newer albums either purchase through Apple's online store, or streamed via the Apple Music service as the album covers in my library — songs for Men of a Certain Age to mildly rock out too, basically — remain pretty static, even after the iOS 26 upgrade. However, a few of my daughter's downloads have found their way into my library and the album art for Olivia Rodrigo's "good 4 u" shimmers and vibrates as advertised.
