Working hard to revive user interest in the Apple Vision Pro, VisionOS 2.2 has some new features that enhance the spatial headset’s usability. The headset first launched less than a year ago, and unfortunately for Apple, the demand for the device has remained relatively underwhelming.
Despite the unexpectedly low sales, the gadget is not without a loyal fanbase of users who are patiently waiting for OS changes that can help the device live up to its full potential. According to the recent Apple Vision Pro updates, the VisionOS 2.2 beta 4 developer release is officially live, giving experts some time to tinker around with its capabilities before the public launch that should occur in a week or two.
Let’s dive into all the news we have about the VisionOS release.
Image: The Apple Vision Pro
VisionOS 2.2 Introduces New Features That Primarily Enhance Mac Integration
The latest beta update to the Vision Pro comes only a week after the third visionOS 2.2 beta was made available for review. The VisionOS 2.2 features for developers focus on upgrades to the Mac Virtual Display capability. The current display feature already allows users to mirror their Macs and view their screens on a larger scale through the Vision Pro headset, but it does not fully utilize the device’s expansive spatial capabilities.
Doing away with the limitation of the standard rectangular screen, VisionOS 2.2’s new features allow for a wide and ultrawide projection of the Mac display. This expands how you view your Mac screen, creating a bigger canvas for you to run your apps and interact with them. The Apple Vision Pro does not support multiple displays but at least this way, users can use the Ultrawide setting to view apps laid out in a space equivalent to two 4K displays side-by-side.
Image: Before the update, the Mac Virtual Display was limited to a rectangular screen that could only be resized.
Introducing a Higher-Quality Display Output
The VisionOS beta 4 developer release also attempts to improve the quality of the displayed content regardless of which mode you use. With high-resolution visuals, users will be able to view content as is rather than see a downgrade in quality when said content is stretched and expanded to fit the Vision Pro’s display output.
This is so cool 😍🔥
Apple Vision Pro + visionOS 2.2 Beta pic.twitter.com/RBOv0mmqOV
— Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) November 4, 2024
For those who found the previous resolution lacking, the update will reduce the difference in resolution quality between the native VisionOS apps and the mirrored macOS apps.
Revamped Audio Routing for AVP Users
Another one of the Apple Vision Pro’s key updates is that audio from the mirrored Mac will no longer be routed through the Mac and instead be directed through the Vision Pro itself. The absence of this capability was an odd choice to begin with, but it’s enough that Apple has addressed the details now.
The VisionOS 2.2 beta 4 developer release shows us that slowly but surely, Apple is starting to address the complaints that users have had with their Vision Pro headsets, even if the changes appear minor at first glance. These features enhance the usability of the headset, which could serve to bring back interest in the device that was last very early in the game.
We’ve seen a lot of rumors surrounding the headset, from Apple halting production to the company’s attempt to work on a cheaper alternative to reach a wider audience. There is also evidence of an iPhone-powered headset but nothing concrete has been revealed by the company.
