The highly anticipated iPhone Ultra model might introduce a groundbreaking feature—spatial photos and videos, as per the latest rumors. According to a recent report from MacRumors, this spatial photo support could enable users to “record immersive 3D content” using the smartphone’s outward-facing cameras. Subsequently, this content could potentially be uploaded and viewed on the rumored Apple Vision Pro headset.
These rumors stem from an unnamed Weibo account known for credible iPhone predictions. Notably, it is suggested that the iPhone Ultra itself may not offer the capability to view spatial photos, necessitating the use of the Vision Pro headset to enjoy the immersive content on a virtual reality screen.
The rumor boldly claims that this potential update could “lead the market to rethink what kind of photos and videos a mobile phone should take.” However, if Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is to be believed, the speculated iPhone Ultra, positioned above the Pro models, may not make its debut until 2024 at the earliest.
Spatial photos and videos were initially introduced during the unveiling of the Apple Vision Pro at WWDC 2023. This technology is designed to enable users to relive significant life moments, providing a sense of being present in those memories. For example, users could revisit events like a child’s birthday party or moments of family playtime in the backyard. Apple emphasized the importance of spatial recording to the Vision Pro experience, even including a dedicated mechanical button on the device to activate it.
Recording video on a VR headset can be cumbersome due to the headset’s size and conspicuous appearance. However, incorporating the same technology into an iPhone or iPad eliminates these issues, allowing users to discreetly capture high-quality content without the need for a dedicated VR headset or concerns about potential damage to expensive hardware.
