WWDC 2025 & visionOS 3.0
I don't know about you but I find the socials flooded with substance-less click-bate posts about future tech to be disingenuous. Unless you are new to developing in the Apple ecosphere (Welcome if you are new), you would know that Apple announces new tech and operating systems every year at WWDC. In the Before Time, Steve Jobs would announce new tech at the January MacWorld conference keynote, but starting around the iPhone 4 introduction on June 7, 2010, the WWDC keynote (aka SteveNotes) became the venue for these types of introductions. Not news!
What's more annoying is that the posts site Mark Gurman of Bloomberg as reporting that visionOS 3.0 was going to be announced at WWDC?! How is this news? Even worse, he offered no details about what is included or even rumoured to be included.
What is news, in my opinion, is that WWDC 25 was announced earlier than usual. Apple will again host developers at Apple Park for a viewing of the WWDC25 Kickoff Keynote, most likely pre-recorded. During that week many developers from around the world will travel to San Jose & Cupertino to network and connect in-person, whether or not they win "the lottery" and get an invite to Apple Park for the viewing.
Unfortunately the entry window for the Kickoff closes today. Keep an eye out for Events around WWDC, such as Core Coffee meetups, iOS Dev Happy Hour meetup and a performance by James Dempsey and the Breakpoints somewhere Live Near WWDC. Last year I performed as a Conditional Breakpoint in the Errors Tour.
WWDC 2025
visionOS 2.4 with Apple Intelligence
On March 31, 2025, Apple rolled out visionOS 2.4 along with iOS 18.4, and macOS 15.4. It was easy for me to miss since I was already using the visionOS 2.4 beta. Highlights include Apple Intelligence Writing Tools, Genmoji, and Image Playground, Smart Reply for messages.
We also get the Apple Vision Pro App for iPhone which brings a connection to your Vision Pro hardware, provided you are connected with the same Apple ID. It should be downloaded if you install iOS 18.4 on your iPad or iPhone.
If you have tried to share your Vision Pro with friends and family before, you'll be pleased to use the New Enhancements to Guest User. You can "start a Guest User session on Apple Vision Pro with their nearby iPhone or iPad. To make it easier to guide a guest through the Vision Pro experience, users can now choose which apps are accessible to their guests and start View Mirroring with AirPlay from their iPhone."
Apple Intelligence and new spatial experiences come to Apple Vision Pro today with visionOS 2.4
Metallica Immersive on Vision Pro
You are probably also aware that Metallica was captured in an Apple Immersive video performance. This is one of the types of experiences that I've been waiting for. Not necessarily a performance by Metallica, but to be able to experience a live performance. In this case, you are on stage with the band, in the front rows with overjoyed fans, and behind the scenes with the band. Even if you are not a fan of the music, you should take in this performance.
There are some problems with the presentation, like the band mugging at the wrong camera, or sometimes you are too close to the subjects, even in the face of the artists in an extreme close up. One friend remarked that you are put to far into someone's personal space. However he goes on to say that Apple or the producers got it 90% right. It is worth a look.
Metallica — Official Trailer | Apple Vision Pro
Apple unveils immersive concert experience with Metallica for Apple Vision Pro
New Apple Immersive Video Content
Apple is also bring more immersive experiences. On April 4, 2025 we'll get VIP: Yankee Stadium and Bono: Stories of Surrender with U2's lead singer Bono.
Spatial Portal Swap - Lab 40
Joseph Simpson continues to provide sample code on his Step Into Vision site. Here's a recent entry using portals where you can switch between portals easily. I can imagine a game where you can move from one virtual room to another. Check out Lab 40.
See you in the future!
