The first hands-ons have appeared with VisionOS, the operating system of the Apple Vision Pro headset. This is possible because Apple has released an SDK with an emulator, so that developers can get started with the software.
The SDK can be downloaded from Apple’s site and therefore it is now also possible to run the emulator. For example, it appears that VisionOS has a ‘Guest Mode’, with which users can create a password for a guest. That password is valid for a maximum of five minutes and then expires. Guests cannot see any personal data, but end up in their own environment. The ability to have multiple accounts has long been a much-requested feature for iOS and iPadOS, but it is not included.
In addition, the onscreen keyboard can be seen, which has round keys and is diagonally upright in the 3D environment. The interface also contains well-known elements such as ‘control center’ with toggles and an overview of notifications. Apps work with 2D window and those windows in the background remain active. The software uses shadows and lighting to indicate which window is active. Windows automatically become blurrier as they move toward the edge of the image.
Apple announced the Vision Pro earlier this month. The VR glasses will be released in the US early next year for $3,499. Nothing is known about a release in the Benelux, but that will probably follow at least months later.