Apple is set to redefine immersive gaming with its upcoming visionOS 26 update, which will introduce comprehensive support for major third-party game controllers—including those from PlayStation, Xbox, and spatial controller systems. This strategic enhancement signals Apple’s growing commitment to turning its devices, particularly those powered by Vision Pro, into more dynamic and competitive platforms for gaming.
The update will allow seamless pairing and full functionality of DualSense (PS5) and Xbox Wireless Controllers, ensuring that gamers enjoy console-grade input precision on Apple’s mixed reality devices. In addition, visionOS 26 will introduce support for advanced spatial controllers , which are designed to provide motion tracking and gesture-based interaction—perfectly aligning with the immersive AR/VR environments Vision Pro aims to deliver.
By bridging compatibility with popular controllers, Apple removes a major barrier for developers and users alike, creating a more open and appealing ecosystem for high-quality gaming experiences. Players will be able to jump into action with familiar hardware while developers can design more ambitious, interactive games without needing to reinvent input systems from scratch.
This move is widely seen as Apple’s response to the increasing demand for deeper entertainment capabilities within spatial computing platforms. With Apple Arcade already expanding its offerings, visionOS 26 is expected to provide a significant boost by allowing users to experience games in truly immersive ways—whether it’s through handheld controls, spatial gestures, or hybrid inputs.
Moreover, by supporting industry-standard controllers, Apple opens the door for cross-platform experiences, cloud gaming compatibility, and better integration with existing gaming libraries, potentially luring more developers and gamers into its ecosystem.
As visionOS 26 rolls out, it’s clear that Apple is positioning Vision Pro not just as a productivity and communication device, but as a next-gen entertainment powerhouse, ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with dedicated gaming consoles in the spatial computing era.
