Spatial photos and videos coming to Safari on Vision Pro

Apple’s latest innovation for its Vision Pro headset is the introduction of spatial photos and videos within the Safari browser. This is a major advancement for immersive technology, enabling web developers to incorporate spatial media on their sites for a 3D experience on Vision Pro. Safari is expected to start supporting these spatial visuals by the end of the year, expanding access to immersive content beyond dedicated apps like Photos and iMessage.

Currently, the ability to capture spatial photos is limited to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 models, and the Vision Pro headset itself. For those using an iPhone 15 Pro, this feature will arrive with iOS 18.1, which is scheduled for release shortly. Spatial photos are designed to showcase depth and dimensionality on Vision Pro devices, delivering a 3D-like experience to users within compatible content environments.

Web developers, in particular, will find this new support within Safari beneficial, as it allows them to create content with a spatial layer that adapts based on the user’s device. Those with a Vision Pro will see these spatial elements, while users on traditional devices will still view the content in standard 2D.

Apple’s Billy Sorrentino commented on this new functionality, highlighting the potential for transforming how we view not only new visuals but even historical or traditional media. From old product reviews to photos of historical events, Apple’s spatial technology adds depth, elevating even familiar content to a new visual level. Apple product manager Della Huff adds that the addition of spatial content in Safari ensures a broad compatibility layer; users can interact with immersive visuals without requiring specialized software or downloads, making spatial content more accessible than ever.

Spatial media is also on the radar of other major tech players. Meta’s Quest headsets introduced similar functionality this spring, allowing users to view spatial photos and videos recorded on devices with iOS 17 or later. Apple’s Vision Pro, however, remains one of the most advanced — and expensive — options on the market, priced at $3,499. This new feature in Safari suggests Apple’s intent to push spatial technology forward, betting on the Vision Pro as a core device in the future of 3D and immersive digital content.