visionOS 2 could add native code for Apple’s own stock apps that are not yet optimized for Vision Pro, such as Calendar and Maps, according to a new report.
Apple will preview major advances for its software platforms at the Worldwide Developers Conference, which runs June 10-15. visionOS, the software that powers the Apple Vision Pro headset, will add some features missing from the inaugural version, including more apps from Apple that run natively on the device.
“For users of the Vision Pro headset, the new visionOS 2.0 will address missing features from the first iteration,” Mark Gurman wrote in the latest edition of his Power On newsletter for Bloomberg. “That includes adding dedicated versions of Apple’s own apps, rather than just using the iPad ones.”
Rumor: visionOS 2 will add more native Apple apps
visionOS can run two types of apps. The first type is native apps, which are apps that take advantage of the visionOS frameworks to provide immersive experiences that feel like an integral part of the operating system.
The other type is existing iPhone and iPad apps which haven’t been optimized or built specifically for the Vision Pro, found in the Compatible Apps folder. These apps run in a window and don’t support fullscreen immersive experiences as native apps do. There are other limitations for apps running in compatibility mode.
Gurman didn’t name apps that might get native Vision Pro code, but likely candidates are Books, Calendar, Home, Maps, News, Podcasts, Reminders, Shortcuts and other stock apps that currently run in compatibility mode.
Other new features coming to visionOS 2
visionOS 2 is rumored to bring other improvements. MacRumors performed some backend code spelunking, discovering that the Mindfulness app could gain respiration tracking. For what it’s worth, an Apple Watch can track respiration rates if worn during the night by polling the accelerometer sensor.
Another feature coming to visionOS 2, confirmed by Apple itself, will enable systemwide live captions anywhere there’s audio, whether it be apps or your interactions with people in the dame physical space as you.
For example, you’ll be able to turn on real-time transcript of your conversations with people outside FaceTime. Apple says you’ll be able to move captions around using the window bar during Apple Immersive Video.