Apple Vision Pro apps get a 5G boost with visionOS 2.2

5G may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Apple Vision Pro. After all, there’s no built-in cellular option. But it turns out iOS 18.2 and visionOS 2.2 introduce a low key 5G enhancement for Apple Vision Pro apps.

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Enhance 5G for Apps with Apple Vision Pro

While Apple Vision Pro doesn’t have built-in cellular connectivity, you can use it away from wifi with any hotspot. And if you use Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad, you may even be able to unlock a special mode for Apple Vision Pro.

Starting with iOS 18.2 and visionOS 2.2, both available now, Apple Vision Pro apps are able to take advantage of a new feature called Enhance 5G for Apps with Apple Vision Pro. Apple explains:

A Personal Hotspot lets you share the cellular data connection of your iPhone or iPad with other devices, like Apple Vision Pro. If you use a supported carrier network and have a qualifying plan, Enhance 5G for Apps can provide an optimized experience for supported apps on your Apple Vision Pro. 

In addition to an Apple Vision Pro, you’ll need three things to unlock this feature:

1. A compatible iPhone or iPad
2. iOS 18.2 or later and visionOS 2.2 or later
3. A network provider that supports Enhance 5G

How to use Enhance 5G

The list of compatible iPhones and iPads includes:

• iPhone 14 and later models
• iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• iPad Air 13-inch (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• iPad Air 11-inch (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular
• iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular

From there, Apple provides steps for invoking Enhance 5G for Apps with Apple Vision Pro:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Cellular.
3. Tap Enhance 5G for Apps. If you don’t see it, make sure your iPhone or iPad supports it and that you’ve updated to the newest version of iOS or iPadOS. Also contact your carrier to make sure they support the feature.
4. Tap Enhance 5G for Apps to turn it off or back on.

Once activated, you’re off to the races with “optimized experience for supported apps on your Apple Vision Pro.”

Verizon currently supports Enhance 5G with an announcement today, detailing network splicing in action:

Enhanced Video Calling is a new technology feature allowing Verizon’s gold-standard network to intelligently adapt and manage data from video communication applications like Facetime, WhatsApp and Zoom to provide an even better experience for iPhone users.

Cheers, Toni!

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