Apple is set to introduce cross-platform software updates inspired by VisionOS.

      **Apple**

      Apple's devices in 2025 may debut with entirely revamped software aimed at improving public perception of the brand. With the new iPhone series, the iPad, and the Mac series expected to release later this year, Apple could introduce updated software designs for these devices as a key highlight of the year. Sources familiar with the situation informed Bloomberg editor Mark Gurman that the upcoming software will feature significant visual changes to create a more cohesive look across different platforms. These modifications will be evident in icons, menus, applications, windows, and system buttons, drawing inspiration from designs found in Apple’s Vision Pro software.

      The updates will be included in iOS 19 and iPadOS 19, codenamed “Luck,” as well as macOS 16, codenamed “Cheer.” Gurman indicated that these changes will extend beyond a standard design refresh. Apple is anticipated to outline its plans for these software updates during its Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

      The company is not expected to take steps toward merging operating systems, as it is known for facilitating user transitions between devices. Instead, Apple’s primary focus is on creating practical and consistent software design across its platforms. Sources suggest that lessons learned from the underwhelming VisionOS experience will be applied to other more widely-used systems. From VisionOS, Apple intends to incorporate circular app icons, simplified windows, translucent navigation bars, and enhanced use of 3D depth and shadows. These elements will be adapted for the 2D interfaces of the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

      Apple is cautiously navigating sales post-pandemic while consumers are inundated with artificial intelligence options. The company is particularly aiming to attract younger audiences with fresh designs to enhance the sales of its upcoming devices.

      The devices expected to run the software codenamed Luck and Cheer right from the start include the iPhone 17 series, the M5 MacBook Pro, and the M5 iPad Pro. There are numerous rumors surrounding the hardware at this time, with particular interest in the iPhone 17 Air. Analysts believe that the M5 MacBook Pro may not be a significant update due to the absence of an OLED display, while the M5 iPad Pro is anticipated to feature an OLED display. It will be intriguing to see if a new ecosystem can strategically benefit both the devices and the brand.

      **Fionna Agomuoh** is a Computing Writer at Digital Trends, covering various topics within the computing space.

      **Sony’s flip-up XR headset costs even more than an Apple Vision Pro**

      Sony stands as a leading name in VR gaming, recognized for the popular PlayStation VR2. Now, it is introducing a premium XR headset with specifications that compete with the Apple Vision Pro. Notably, this is not the Sony XYN headset powered by Google's new Android XR, nor will it connect to a PlayStation 5; it is targeted towards enterprise clients involved in product design, and its price exceeds that of the high-end Vision Pro.

      At $4,750, the Sony SRH-S1 is a robust system featuring integrated hardware and software, a flip-up visor, and specialized controllers designed for manipulating virtual 3D objects. The ability to lift the visor for face-to-face interactions is practical. Additionally, the halo strap design alleviates facial pressure. A ring on one finger allows for gripping items, and a 3D stylus resembling something from a sci-fi movie enables precise adjustments.

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      **Never mind the Vision Pro. These were 6 best Apple products of the year**

      Apple made bold moves this year with the Vision Pro and Apple Intelligence, although these innovations seem to be in their early stages and haven't yet appeared to be definitive successes. Nevertheless, several Apple products released this year uphold the company's esteemed reputation for quality. As you’ll see, they align with the more established offerings within Apple's ecosystem, yet this doesn't diminish their quality or the positive impressions received from our reviewers at Digital Trends.

      **Mac mini (M4)**

      **Here’s how Apple may make the next Vision headset more affordable**

      A recent report suggests that Apple may be planning the launch of a more budget-friendly Vision headset. As noted by Wccftech, this report from analyst firm TrendForce indicates a shift away from the premium micro-OLED panels used in the Vision Pro.

      The new options include glass-based OLED displays, as well as a different type of OLED known as LTPO backplane technology, which was originally utilized in the Apple Watch Series 4 back in 2018. Since then, it has become a well-known display technology broadly adopted across the smartphone and smartwatch industries.

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