On June 21st, Gizcoupon reported that Apple had confirmed the inclusion of WebXR standards in their upcoming augmented reality (AR) headset, Vision Pro. This is a major announcement from Apple at WWDC 2023. Additionally, this is the first time the company has confirmed support for the WebXR standard.
WebXR is a web standard that allows developers to create and present virtual reality (VR) games and experiences through web browsers without the need for additional software or plugins. With Vision Pro, users can immerse themselves in VR content directly from their browsers. This advancement enables users to enjoy a truly immersive and interactive experience. For example, users can play music games similar to “Beat Saber” or explore museums and tourist attractions, all within the browser.
Safari on Vision Pro
Apple stated that Safari, the browser running on Vision Pro, is a fully-featured browser that utilizes the same WebKit engine but incorporates specific functionalities for virtual reality. Alongside regular web browsing, Safari supports WebXR standards and the new <model> tag, which enables the embedding of 3D models within web pages. These features are currently in the developer preview stage and require manual activation. However, Apple plans to integrate them as official features of Safari once they have been refined through collaboration with industry partners to enhance the WebXR standards.
WebXR standards have gained support from various browser manufacturers beyond Apple, including Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Edge, as well as VR headsets such as Quest, Pico, and Magic Leap. This widespread compatibility and adoption of WebXR standards provide convenience for the development and dissemination of virtual reality content.
In addition to WebXR standards, Apple also supports the development of the <model> tag. This standardized method allows the incorporation of 3D models within web pages. Users can preview 3D representations of clothing, furniture, products, and more on web pages, enhancing the overall web browsing experience through the utilization of virtual reality technology.
