Apple’s Vision Pro Aims for Success in 2025 With Major Upgrades

In a competitive landscape, Apple’s Vision Pro has emerged as a standout, clinching the title of 9to5Mac’s Product of the Year. However, as the product approaches its second year, it still has much to prove. Anticipation builds for a series of improvements that could transform Vision Pro into a mainstream success in 2025.

Despite the buzz surrounding Vision Pro, many enthusiasts were disappointed by Apple’s decision to delay introducing major AI features in 2024. The tech giant prioritized upgrades for its flagship products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac as it strives to catch up in the AI race. Still, the good news is that Apple is expected to integrate AI into Vision Pro soon, particularly in the upcoming visionOS 3 update.

One of the most highly anticipated changes is an enhanced Siri. As a relatively new user of the Vision Pro platform, I quickly discovered that Siri plays a crucial role in spatial computing, more so than on any other Apple device—except for the HomePod. Voice-first computing stands to gain significantly from robust AI enhancements, and the combination of Siri’s ChatGPT integration, along with the powerful upgrades on iOS 18.4, could drastically enhance the overall Vision Pro experience.

Another critical area where Apple needs to step up is gaming. While the iPhone has long been perceived as a gaming powerhouse, Apple has sought to extend that reputation to other devices such as the Mac and Apple TV. Surprisingly, the Vision Pro debuted with little gaming support, despite having access to games through Apple Arcade and the App Store. Currently, there is no support for VR game controllers, marking a distinct absence of a coherent gaming strategy for visionOS.

Excitingly, reports indicate that support for PlayStation VR2 controllers may be on the horizon, signaling the potential for a broader gaming ecosystem. Apple must turn its focus toward gaming in the new year; otherwise, it risks losing traction to rival platforms that already boast strong gaming libraries.

Moreover, Immersive Video has emerged as a defining feature of Vision Pro, touted as a “killer app.” Despite its vast potential, the demand for immersive content has historically outstripped supply. Apple ended 2024 with heightened momentum in releasing Immersive Video content, which is likely to continue into 2025 given recent developments indicating ambitious content plans.

The diverse array of Immersive Video releases throughout 2024 illustrates Apple’s commitment to exploring this innovative medium further, highlighting its significant potential as both an entertainment and productivity platform. With the right refinements, Vision Pro could become a powerhouse in immersive media.

Ultimately, if Apple can deliver on these three fronts—AI enhancements, gaming support, and rich Immersive Video experiences—the Vision Pro may become increasingly appealing to a broader audience. Key considerations such as pricing, weight, and an enriched app ecosystem will also play vital roles in shaping the device’s future.

As Vision Pro evolves, how it leverages these improvements will determine its position as a viable computing platform. Apple’s commitment to establishing visionOS as a fully-featured computing environment with a strong emphasis on gaming and video content will be crucial for the device’s success in the coming years. What changes do you hope to see for Vision Pro in 2025? The conversation continues as tech enthusiasts eagerly await Apple’s next steps.