Apple has handed out the fourth developer beta of visionOS for the Apple Vision Pro headset, with development continuing on until its early 2024 release.
Apple Vision Pro
The fourth beta for visionOS can be downloaded by developers to their Mac, which serves as the development platform for Apple Vision Pro apps. In the vast majority of instances, the beta will only be used on a Mac and not the headset itself, since Apple tightly controls the release of developer kits.
Developers are able to use the updated visionOS within Xcode, as the updates tend to include changes to the visionOS simulator.
The release is the fourth developer beta for the headset's operating system. The third arrived on August 29, while the second beta was issued on July 25.
The fourth build is number 21N5259j, replacing the third beta, build number 21N5233f.
While AppleInsider normally advises that users avoid installing beta operating systems or other beta software onto primary or "mission critical" devices due to the small chance of data loss, the situation is a bit different here. Those who have Apple's loaner hardware will want to install the latest betas as soon as they become available.
It is likely that Apple will make more headsets available in the coming months, as the company will want to have software available for the headset to ensure a smooth launch. Though not very developer will have access to the headset, many will be able to try it out via Apple Vision Pro labs.