How to update Apple Vision Pro software

Key Takeaways

You can choose to update the Vision Pro software either manually or automatically. Furthermore, you can install beta updates of visionOS to try out the newest features.
If you wish to manually update visionOS on your Apple Vision Pro, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. Then, if a visionOS update is available, tap Download and Install or Install Now.

Maintaining the latest software on your Apple Vision Pro ensures you have the most recent features, improvements, and security updates. Since visionOS draws its core frameworks from iOS, the steps to update the software are quite similar.

In this guide, I’ll explain how to update Apple Vision Pro software and access beta versions of visionOS for early access to new features. Let’s get started.

How to update Apple Vision Pro manually

Just like your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, you can easily update the Apple Vision Pro from the Settings app.

On your Apple Vision Pro, go to Settings → General → Software Update.
If a new update is available, tap Download and Install or Install Now.
Enter your Apple Vision Pro passcode if prompted.
When the update is ready to install, take off the headset.
You can see the progress of the update on the front display.

How to update Apple Vision Pro automatically

Even though you can always install a software update manually, nothing beats the convenience of automatic software updates.

Here’s how you can quickly enable automatic updates for visionOS on Apple Vision Pro:

On your Apple Vision Pro, go to Settings → General → Software Update.
Now, select Automatic Updates → Then toggle on visionOS Updates.
Toggle on Security Responses & System Files to auto-install security updates.
If needed, you may also toggle on visionOS Updates under Automatically Download.
This option will download the updates automatically, but you must install them manually.

You won’t need to worry about installing updates once you enable automatic updates on Apple Vision Pro. Updates will be installed automatically when your headset is connected to the Wi-Fi, charging, and locked.

How to download visionOS Beta

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to be on the cutting edge of the latest software updates issued by Apple, you can opt to enroll for visionOS beta updates.

However, as beta updates are known to cause system instability, it’s recommended that you back up your Apple Vision Pro before you proceed with these steps:

Navigate to Settings → General → Software Update.
Now, select Beta Updates → visionOS Developer Beta.
After performing these steps, go back to Software Update.
You should see a visionOS beta update available for downloading.
Tap Download and Install or Install Now to install the visionOS beta.
You may skip this step if you’ve enabled Automatic Updates on your device.

After you follow these steps, beta updates will automatically appear in the Settings app whenever one becomes available. However, if they aren’t showing up for you, go to the Apple Developer Center and log in using your Apple ID. You don’t need to join the Apple Developer Program; just sign in and recheck if updates are available.

How to update visionOS via Apple Configurator

Yet another way you can update your Apple Vision Pro is via the Apple Configurator app. However, to use this method, you should be signed in to the $99 Apple developer program and own the $299 Developer Strap.

If you have a Developer Strap, you can use it to connect the Apple Vision Pro to a Mac via a USB-C cable.
Once you do that, you can manually fetch an IPSW file to update your Apple Vision Pro via the Apple Configurator.

Note: As Apple Vision Pro is a relatively new device, several things are still subject to change, and it’s possible that this method may not work for you. We’ll update this article as more information emerges from Apple’s end.

Further, using Apple Configurator, it is also possible to downgrade your Apple Vision Pro to an earlier visionOS version.

To do that, sign up for the Apple Developer Program and purchase the Developer Strap, Then use a USB-C cable to connect your headset to a Mac, and use the Apple Configurator to restore visionOS using an IPSW file downloaded from the Apple Developer Downloads website.

Why can’t I update visionOS on my Vision Pro?

If you’re unable to update your Apple Vision Pro, ensure that:

The headset has enough storage to download the update
You’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.

However, if you’re able to download the update but cannot install it on your Apple Vision Pro, you must delete the update from Settings → Storage and redownload it from Settings → General → Software Update.

Wrapping up…

In a nutshell, updating your Apple Vision Pro to the latest version of visionOS is crucial for improving performance, security, and fixing potential software bugs.

I hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any further questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below.

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