In a significant development for Apple’s mixed reality headset, the tech giant is reportedly enhancing the Vision Pro’s control capabilities with new eye-tracking features in the upcoming visionOS 3 update. According to a report published by Bloomberg on Wednesday, Apple is testing functionality that would allow users to scroll through applications using only their eyes, without requiring hand gestures.

The Evolution of Vision Pro Controls

The Apple Vision Pro currently relies primarily on hand gestures for interaction, with users selecting items by looking at them and then pinching their fingers to make selections. The existing eye-tracking technology in the device helps determine what the user is focusing on, but still requires physical hand movements to complete most actions.

This new scrolling capability represents a natural progression of the headset’s interface system. As reported by AppleInsider, the enhancement would build upon the Vision Pro’s existing eye-tracking functionality, potentially reducing the need for constant hand movements that might cause fatigue during extended use sessions.

“The eye-scrolling capability is being tested as part of visionOS 3, an upcoming version of the Vision Pro’s operating system,” Bloomberg reports, citing people familiar with the matter. This advancement could make interaction with the device more seamless and intuitive.

Potential Benefits and Challenges

The introduction of eye-scrolling functionality could significantly improve the user experience for Vision Pro owners. As 9to5Mac notes, the feature could be particularly beneficial for users who don’t wish to continuously raise and lower their hands while using the device for extended periods.

However, questions remain about implementation details. If developers need to build special support for this feature, as implied in reporting, it could lead to inconsistent experiences across different applications. The success of eye scrolling will likely depend on how reliably the technology can interpret user intent.

BGR points out that visionOS 3 is expected to be a major update for the Apple Vision Pro, with this eye-tracking enhancement representing one of the significant improvements coming to the platform.

Timing and Broader Context

Apple enthusiasts won’t have to wait long for potential official confirmation of this feature. The company’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is scheduled for June 9, providing a natural venue for Apple to announce visionOS 3 and its new capabilities.

The timing of this development comes as Apple continues to refine its first-generation spatial computing device. Since its launch, the Vision Pro has been positioned as a revolutionary product, blending virtual and augmented reality experiences in what Apple calls “spatial computing.”

Adding eye-scrolling would align with Apple’s historical approach of gradually enhancing user interfaces to make them more intuitive and accessible. The company has consistently worked to reduce friction in how users interact with technology, from the original iPhone’s touchscreen to voice control with Siri, and now potentially expanded eye control in the Vision Pro.

Industry observers will be watching closely to see how effectively Apple implements this feature and whether it significantly enhances the usability of the Vision Pro. If successful, it could represent another step forward in human-computer interaction and further differentiate Apple’s mixed reality offering in an increasingly competitive market.