Andrew Orr
Apple just dropped visionOS 2.4 Beta, packing powerful new tools, a new guest experience, a fresh Spatial Gallery app, and the debut of Apple Intelligence on Vision Pro.
Apple is kicking off 2025 with a bang, unveiling the visionOS 2.4 Beta packed with exciting features that set the stage for the upcoming public release in April.
The company is finally bringing its suite of generative artificial intelligence tools with Apple Intelligence. The update brings Image Playground, allowing users to create playful images, Genmoji for crafting custom emojis, and Writing Tools, which is poised to become a favorite for content creators.
Apple Intelligence aims to compete with other generative AI tools in the market, offering creative flexibility directly within the Apple ecosystem.
Guest User feature makes sharing easy
Apple is also making it easier to share your Vision Pro with others through the new Guest User feature. When you hand over your device, a prompt pops up on your nearby iPhone or iPad with an 'Allow Guest User' option.
From there, you can select which apps the guest can access, initiate View Mirroring via AirPlay, and guide them through the experience. It's a practical solution for families, friends, or even educational settings where sharing the Vision Pro is beneficial.
Previously, sharing a Vision Pro was slightly more arduous, and there wasn't a screen-sharing feature. The new Guest User feature recreates Apple's in-store demo experience, offering a controlled, customizable interface for guests without affecting the owner's primary setup.
It's still not multiple user support, but it's closer.
It's a practical solution for families, friends, or even educational settings where sharing the Vision Pro is beneficial.
New Spatial Gallery app showcases immersive content
The new Spatial Gallery app is another addition. Apple is curating a breathtaking collection of spatial photos, videos, and panoramas from top-tier artists, filmmakers, and brands like Cirque du Soleil and Porsche.
For example, users might immerse themselves in a live Cirque du Soleil performance or explore a 360-degree Porsche design showcase. It's a smart move by Apple that helps users understand the capabilities of the Apple Vision Pro and its capability for immersive experiences.
The Spatial Gallery app doesn't appear to be on the Apple Vision Pro app, according to AppleInsider staff. Currently it's unknown if Apple is saving it for the official visionOS 2.4 release or will include it later in a beta update.
Control Vision Pro from your iPhone
Alongside the visionOS update, Apple is launching a new Vision Pro app for iPhone. The app allows users to browse and queue up apps or games for download, discover spatial content from Apple TV and Spatial Gallery, and access useful tips, without needing to wear the headset.
The app will arrive with iOS 18.4 in all regions where Vision Pro is available, and it's set to make managing the device more convenient.
In all, the visionOS 2.4 Beta introduces nice enhancements that refine the Vision Pro experience and expand its utility.
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Oliver Haslam
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13 Comments
What I see as the primary reason for a guest mode is showing another person what the Vision Pro is all about. Restricting apps and all that jazz is a relatively minor part of that, what the Vision Pro could really do with is a Demo Mode, where it walks a user through a few impressive functions, the same sort of stuff that is scripted in the Apple Store in-store demos.
I’ve had the Vision Pro since it first shipped last year. A big frustration has been the awkwardness of demonstrating to a friend. While you can share their image on an iPad or TV, it all goes black as soon as you go to AppleTV and try to show immersive content due to copyright restrictions. Ridiculous.
hopefully the new share will be easier.
jim
I need to try out the Vision Pro. I have always assumed that requiring reading glasses would make it a PITA; I know they offer lenses, but I am just dubious about how well that would work. I have 20/20 over two feet and need correction for less than two feet; even 1.5 magnifiers work for me. I don't even need a prescription. Has anyone in a similar position tried the VP?