Apple didn’t say it out loud during the WWDC25 keynote, but a quiet update from one of the developer sessions might just reveal what’s coming next for the Vision Pro — and it’s a big deal, especially for Mac users and developers.
Here’s the news: starting with macOS Tahoe 26, Mac apps can now send 3D content straight into the Apple Vision Pro, using a new tool called RemoteImmersiveSpace. In plain terms? Your Mac can now power immersive 3D experiences that show up live in your Vision Pro headset — no extra apps or rebuilds needed.
Why this is a big deal
Until now, building content for visionOS (the Vision Pro’s software) meant creating a separate app, usually from scratch. That’s great for big developers, but not so simple for smaller teams or creators who already build apps for macOS.
With the new update, developers can use their existing macOS apps and add immersive 3D scenes directly. It works using CompositorServices, a new framework in macOS Tahoe 26. You still build your UI in SwiftUI, but now it can extend into fully spatial, interactive scenes — complete with hover effects, gesture support, and dynamic object interaction.
For example: imagine you’re using a design app on your Mac. Now, with a Vision Pro on your head, you could walk around your design like it’s a real-life model — without needing to launch a whole new app just for the headset.
Tethered Vision Pro might be coming
This update is more than just a cool feature — it might be Apple’s first real move toward a tethered Vision Pro headset.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is developing two new versions of the Vision Pro. One is cheaper and lighter, but the other is especially interesting: a model designed to work while plugged into a Mac. That would allow for more powerful rendering, longer sessions, and a smaller, more affordable headset (since the Mac is doing the heavy lifting).
Until now, we hadn’t seen much evidence of this idea in action. But now that macOS apps can project immersive content straight into Vision Pro, it makes sense that Apple is preparing for that kind of setup.
macOS Tahoe 26 + Vision Pro Integration
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Supported OS | macOS Tahoe 26, visionOS (latest version) |
| Key Framework | CompositorServices |
| 3D Rendering | Yes, via RemoteImmersiveSpace |
| Interaction | Supports taps, gestures, and hover effects |
| Developer Tools | SwiftUI, Metal |
| Device Connection | Wireless (current), wired/tethered (rumored for future) |
How it helps developers
This shift lowers the entry barrier for developers. Instead of learning a new system or worrying about Vision Pro’s hardware limits, they can stick with what they know: building Mac apps. Now, they can also test out immersive features with just a Vision Pro and their Mac.
Plus, thanks to new APIs, developers can:
- Create volumetric UIs (think: floating menus or draggable 3D objects)
- Use new scene-snapping behavior (where virtual windows stick into place like magnets)
- Control everything with SwiftUI, or go deeper with Metal if they want full rendering control
This opens the door for apps in fields like:
| Use Case | Example |
|---|---|
| Architecture & Design | 3D walkthroughs of buildings from your Mac |
| Education | Virtual science labs or historical recreations |
| Medical | 3D anatomy viewers directly controlled from Mac |
| Data Visualization | Interactive charts or simulations in spatial space |
Final Thoughts
Right now, Apple hasn’t confirmed when a tethered Vision Pro will launch. But updates like this show that Apple is thinking far beyond standalone headsets. It’s slowly building a future where your Mac becomes a powerful engine for spatial computing — and the Vision Pro becomes the screen you wear, not just another device.
For developers, this means they can start experimenting today. And for everyone else? It means that future where digital and real-world experiences blend together is getting closer — and more accessible.
To learn more or try it out, Apple’s official SwiftUI WWDC25 session has everything you need.
