Vision Pro was chosen as 9to5Mac’s Product of the Year. But there’s still a lot Apple’s spatial computer has to prove heading into its second year. Here are three big coming upgrades that could lead to a breakout 2025 for Vision Pro.
Apple Intelligence (especially for Siri)
Apple neglecting to bring AI to its flagship, cutting-edge spatial computer in 2024 was a disappointment—but understandable. The company’s playing catch-up with AI and rightfully prioritized its most popular devices: the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
But Apple Intelligence is on its way to Vision Pro, likely in visionOS 3. And there’s one main area it could make a significant impact: an upgraded Siri.
Plenty of other AI features will make nice additions to visionOS, but a more powerful Siri easily tops my list.
I’m still a relatively new Vision Pro owner, but I’ve quickly found Siri more important to spatial computing than any other Apple platform (save HomePod).
Voice-first computing has tremendous potential on Vision Pro, and Siri’s ChatGPT integration plus the powerful upgrades coming in iOS 18.4 would make a huge difference to the visionOS experience.
Robust gaming support
For years, Apple has been trying to prove that it’s serious about gaming. The iPhone has always been a gaming hit, but Apple has also tried to convince users (and developers) to invest in gaming on the Mac, Apple TV, and more.
But somehow, the Vision Pro launched without much of a gaming story. Apple Arcade offers a variety of spatial games, and others are available on the App Store. But there are currently no VR game controllers supported, and Apple doesn’t seem to think of visionOS as a gaming platform.
Fortunately, it sounds like PlayStation VR2 controllers will be supported soon, and that’s hopefully just the start of Apple’s gaming plans.
Apple needs to prove in the new year that gaming is a priority for Vision Pro. Otherwise, all the best VR games will continue being exclusive to competing platforms.
Much more Apple Immersive Video
Immersive Video is one of the most remarkable, ‘killer app’-style features on the Vision Pro. The only problem is, demand for content has significantly outweighed supply—for now.
Apple wrapped up 2024 with an increase of regular Immersive Video releases, and that’s bound to continue in 2025 as recent developments point to big plans for new content.
Top comment by urname
Ahhh, unfortunately as an earlier adopter for the AVP, I'm gonna have to hard disagree.
There's a reason everyone's loved the update for the ultra wide Mac Mirroring monitors. It's productivity and unlocking so much more of what the AVP can do - which unfortunately is tied to a Mac with that feature.
The best "upgrades" the AVP can get are things that allow it to be more standalone from the Mac as a productivity machine. Things like real productivity apps from Apple. The fact that there is no Pages, Numbers, or actual Keynote (the existing one is pretty much just a viewer, not an editor) apps is a huge let down. Even iMovie - let people edit those sweet spatial videos in a spatial computer!
And maybe even more killer? Apple needs to launch their own 3D modeling-type app, or spatial creativity app. Something that you can only do in AR/VR, but for creatives. Just like they do for Macs, iPads, and iPhones with iMovie, Logic Pro, Final Cut, etc...
Also games, like Walkabout Mini Golf. Love that game.
The variety of different Immersive Video releases in 2024 shows how much Apple is experimenting with this new medium, and how much potential is there for the future.
I hope Vision Pro can become a true productivity platform, but that’s still up for debate. What’s undeniable is that Immersive Video can make Vision Pro a killer entertainment device.
Vision Pro’s coming upgrades: wrap-up
If Apple succeeds on all three fronts above, Vision Pro should start to become a lot more compelling to a lot more people. Price, weight, and app ecosystem are all important factors too. But the more Apple can do to make visionOS a true computing platform, with strong gaming and video experiences, the brighter Vision Pro’s future will be.
What Vision Pro changes do you hope to see in 2025? Let us know in the comments.
Best Vision Pro accessories
- Vision Pro aluminum dock stand
- Spigen travel case for Vision Pro
- AirPods Pro 2 (now just $189, discounted from $249)
- Battery holder with belt clip and more
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