Apple has released visionOS 27, a free software update for the Apple Vision Pro that introduces a more capable version of Siri, expanded Apple Intelligence features and a range of new spatial experiences. The update is available for both versions of the headset and can be installed through the Settings app under General and then Software Update.

A smarter, more conversational Siri

The headline addition is Siri AI, described by Apple as a more capable and conversational assistant that draws on personal context, onscreen awareness, app actions and broad world knowledge. Users can place Siri anywhere in their space, where it stays pinned and ready to help, and can trigger it simply by looking at it and speaking, without saying "Hey Siri."

A dedicated Siri app lets people revisit past conversations or start new ones, with those conversations privately syncing across Apple devices through iCloud. Visual Intelligence allows users to ask Siri about physical objects in the room or content on the screen just by looking at them, while a Write with Siri feature can draft, edit or give feedback on text almost anywhere users type.

Apple noted that a new, more expressive and customizable Siri voice is exclusive to the M5 version of the Vision Pro, using on-device models. Most other Siri features work on Vision Pro with M2 chips and later.

Apple Intelligence across apps

The update extends Apple Intelligence to several built-in apps. Safari can automatically group bookmarks and reading list items by topic, and a rebuilt Image Playground uses a new generative model to create images in styles including photorealistic, with edits possible through natural language.

In the Home app, related accessory alerts can be combined into a single summarized notification, and eligible iCloud+ subscribers get video descriptions and clip search for HomeKit Secure Video recordings.

New spatial experiences

visionOS 27 leans heavily into spatial content. Spatial scene panoramas convert flat panoramic photos into scenes with depth, and users can set a personal panorama as their own Environment. Apple also added a new Thórsmörk Environment set in Iceland, offering a daytime river view and a night scene with an aurora.

Other additions include curved windows for more comfortable viewing in apps such as Safari, Freeform and Apple TV, Spatial Preview for pulling 3D models from a Mac Virtual Display into physical space at true scale, and fully immersive 360-degree web environments in Safari on supported websites. Freeform gains spatial groups for arranging items around a user's room.

System and accessibility changes

Apple listed a number of system improvements, including Wi-Fi connections that are up to three times faster after powering on, a Look to see notifications feature, a reorganized Control Center and the ability to record an unfoveated 4K view for up to three minutes. New extra small widgets and a Mac Virtual Display widget can be placed anywhere in a user's space.

On the accessibility side, Look to Drive lets users control a compatible powered wheelchair with their eyes by sending movement commands from the Vision Pro to a connected accessory. Dwell Control has also been updated so selections can be confirmed instantly by glancing at a marker rather than waiting for a timer.

Installing the update requires removing the headset, with a progress bar shown on the EyeSight display. Apple said the customizable Siri voice is the only feature limited to the M5 model, while the remaining additions are available on both Vision Pro headsets.