Apple Unveils Vision Pro’s Upcoming Persistent Widget System in VisionOS 26

Alrighty then, here’s my take on this. Let’s dive in and go all over the place because why not.

Okay, so first off, Apple did a thing at WWDC. You know, that techy-developer festival that sounds like a DJ’s name. They’re introducing this widget thingy on Vision Pro — VisionOS 26, to be precise. And the thing is, they’re sticking these widgets to your walls. Like, literally on your walls — not in your face floating around like a ghost. Which, I guess, is kind of nice if you’re sick of them dancing around every time you breathe?

Now, this wasn’t just a “Hey, look at our shiny thing!” moment. Nope, Apple went deep. They tossed out a developer session — talk about diving into the widget rabbit hole. The rundown? Widgets can sit pretty on walls or tables and won’t budge even if you reboot. It’s like they’re glued down. I stumbled across this tidbit and thought, “That’s…actually handy.”

So yeah, these widgets integrate with others from iOS and iPadOS, and there’s a lot — like a digital buffet. But then Apple threw in some secret sauce, changing up WidgetKit just for Vision Pro. New sizes, shapes — maybe even a widget wearing a bowler hat. Kidding. Or am I?

Oh, oh! The overlays — ‘paper’ and ‘glass.’ Believe it or not, the paper one dims with the lighting, almost like your room decided to read a bedtime story. Glass style, though…that thing stays lit up like a Christmas tree. I kind of want one just to mess with my cats.

And get this, they’re smart! These widgets act different based on how close you are. One minute, it’s a weather snippet; next, the whole week unfolds. Reminds me of that aunt who starts with the weather and ends with your third cousin’s vacation.

Now, some Apple-designed widgets are kind of special. Like, your walls could show album covers playing songs, or have a panoramic photo acting like a wannabe window. Though, they’re still as flat as year-old soda — sorry, couldn’t resist.

There’s this Clock widget too — revamped and detailed for those who like staring at time. And these aren’t just floating about; they nestle into your space, sometimes hiding behind furniture. Overall, it’s like Apple’s playing interior decorator.

Plus, you can tweak these things. Resize, plop them on walls with style — recessed or popping out like a souvenir photo frame that glows. You can even pick colors. Why not neon pink?

The widgets snap together in a grid too. Handy, right? Especially if you’ve got wobblier hands than a Jenga tower. There’s more; they’re interactive. Like, you can tick off tasks with a simple pinch or eye-dance, which is oddly satisfying. No contact lists, promise.

Oh, and this magical contraption is in the VisionOS 26 beta, which Apple tossed out this week, and it’s hitting the public soon. Mostly I guess to see if it’ll end up on the Christmas list. Who knew wall widgets could be this… captivating?

And there it is — scattered and a little jumpy, but hey, just like a real conversation, right?