Apple is already working on the next major release of visionOS that will be previewed at next year’s WWDC alongside the usual roster of other software platforms, reports Bloomberg.
At this point, not much is known about what Apple is planning for visionOS 2. However, the development suggests that the company is planning a yearly release cycle for the operating system powering Vision Pro, even if the second-generation headset isn’t planned until 2026. A prior report outlined some features Apple planned for Vision Pro but didn’t reveal or discuss during its WWDC 2023 announcement, which might finally make the cut with visionOS 2.
The contemplated features are mainly health-focused and include abilities like full-body tracking and scanning via the downward-facing cameras on Vision Pro. Through this, Apple hopes to introduce the ability to workout while wearing the headset as it scans the wearer’s lower body and leg movement for workout data. The company has also regarded a visionOS version of the Fitness app with support for the Fitness+ service. Lower body tracking could also enable more realistic digital avatar Personas for FaceTime calls.
Generative AI features could be a major focus with visionOS 2. An extensive report detailed Apple’s AI plans for the next crop of major software releases as part of WWDC 2024. As covered before, the company reportedly aims to push generative AI capabilities everywhere across the board in iOS 18 with a focus on Siri, Messages, and Apple Music.
In the meantime, Apple continues to perfect visionOS 1.0 with recent beta releases as Vision Pro edges closer to its market launch, now said to be in February.
