(Credit: Tyler Hayes)
Despite strapping an Apple Vision Pro to my head regularly for the last 12 months, the thought never crossed my mind that its missing piece is Apple Intelligence. I’ve dreamt of physical refinements, like a weight reduction, and I’ve pondered software enhancements for native controller support, but I’ve never wished for the headset to do image generation.
So, the news that visionOS 2.4 brings Apple Intelligence to the Vision Pro is an intriguing proposal. With its M2 chip and 16GB of RAM, the device is powerful enough, and any updates are a welcome addition for current owners. But what about everyone else? Does AI make the Vision Pro more compelling for potential buyers?
What's New in visionOS 2.4
In the lead-up to today's public release of visionOS 2.4, I've been testing the beta version. The headliner of the software is, of course, Apple Intelligence. That means Writing Tools, ChatGPT integration, Image Playground, Genmoji, and more make their appearance on the device.
Beyond the AI features, a new Spatial Gallery app highlights 3D content. At launch, it includes behind-the-scenes clips from Apple Originals like Severance, The Studio, and The Morning Show and conversations with artists like Bad Bunny, Charli xcx, and Keith Urban, Apple says.
There’s also a new Vision Pro app for iPhones that better links the two devices. Browse apps and content on your phone and then send them to the headset; they'll be ready for you the next time you slide into the Vision Pro.
The most intriguing new addition, however, is a revamp to Guest User. Using an iPhone, you can configure which apps a friend can and can't use from an iPhone or iPad.
Apple Intelligence Does Not Revitalize the Vision Pro
As it stands today, Apple Intelligence adds flourishes to whatever operating system it’s a part of, but it doesn’t fundamentally change the way the software works. Still, I went into testing the new update with an open mind. Maybe AI would bring a new layer of value.
One of the small details I’ve found is the usefulness of Writing Tools on the Vision Pro. I haven’t touched the feature on macOS or iOS, but they do seem a tad more useful on visionOS, where text entry is harder. Smart reply in Messages is also more helpful on the Vision Pro, which pre-fills suggestions for potential replies.
Email and text message summaries are both helpful if you’re using the device for long stretches of time as multiple notifications are coming in.
However, since text entry without a keyboard can be tedious, typing out prompts for Genmoji and Image Playground isn't as easy as they are on a phone or tablet. I was hopeful, but Apple Intelligence doesn’t change the equation for whether you should purchase a Vision Pro. If you're on the fence, wait it out.
Guest User and Spatial Gallery Are the Highlights
Even though Apple Intelligence isn’t a game-changer on the headset, the addition of the Spatial Gallery and revisions to Guest User are notable upgrades.
The visual content in the Spatial Gallery is still in its early stages, and yet I found myself captivated by what it shows off. There are random 3D photos and video clips with little cohesion, but seeing them made me want to view more. It also reminded me that I should shoot more spatial photos using my iPhone. Time will tell if Apple can fully utilize the Spatial Gallery app as a hub for content, but even with a basic framework, it’s now obvious that it’s needed.
A robust guest mode should have been on the Vision Pro from day one when buyers were excited to show it off to family and friends. It’s better late than never, I guess. I’m a big fan of how it automatically shows a live view of what the person is seeing. It’s easier to help them along during their first time.
The other featured addition is a Vision Pro app for iPhone. Anyone with iOS 18.4 can download it from the App Store, and it will allow Vision Pro owners to queue up apps and content while scrolling their phones. Meta already has this on its own apps, so it was a glaring omission on the Vision Pro at launch. As a result, the additions of visionOS 2.4 are a great step forward for current owners, but it doesn't make the Vision Pro a must-buy device.