Apple has a curious hidden feature for its Apple Vision Pro spatial computer in the first developer beta of VisionOS. The feature called “Travel Mode” is specifically intended to improve the user’s experience while on the plane.
Since an airplane cabin, with its enclosed space and unique environmental factors, can be challenging for VR devices, Travel Mode appears to be Apple’s solution for ensuring a smoother experience.
Travel mode: collapse
In the first developer beta for visionOS, we discovered several text threads that shed light on the functionality of this new feature. The main claims include:
- are you on a plane
- If you’re on a plane, you’ll need to keep Travel Mode on to continue using Apple Vision Pro.
- Stay still in the travel position.
- Remain still while this mode is off.
- Some awareness features will be turned off.
- Existing fit may reduce gaze accuracy.
- Turn on travel mode when you’re on a plane to continue using Apple Vision Pro.
- Your representation is not available while Travel Mode is on.
From these text strings, it is clear that Travel Mode is designed to adapt the functionality of the Apple Vision Pro to the specific constraints of an aircraft cabin.
Disability awareness features
One of the strings states that “some awareness features will be turned off”. This indicates that some sensors and features that rely on spatial awareness may be turned off or minimized. On an airplane, proximity to other passengers and limited space may cause these features to behave erratically or inaccurately. By disabling or limiting them, Travel Mode may help ensure that the user does not have an unpleasant or disruptive VR experience.
Numeric characters are not available
“Your avatar is unavailable while travel mode is on” indicates that digital characters may not be available in this mode. The exact cause is not clear, but may be related to limited space and features of impaired consciousness, which may affect the accuracy and representation of the avatars.
Reduce the accuracy of looks
The text also states that “the current compatibility may reduce visual acuity.” This may mean that due to the position you may take when sitting on an airplane, the headset may not sit as neatly as it usually does, affecting gaze tracking. However, the travel mode seems to acknowledge this and potentially make adjustments to compensate for it.
stay still
Another interesting prompt is to “stay still in the travel position”. This may be a safety measure to ensure that users do not inadvertently move or make large gestures while on the aircraft, which could be dangerous or disturbing to other passengers.
It is contained
Apple’s Travel Mode for the Apple Vision Pro is an example of thoughtful innovation, adapting the device to work efficiently in different environments. This feature demonstrates Apple’s attention to detail and commitment to ensuring a seamless experience for its users, no matter the circumstances.
Since the travel mode is still in beta, we expect more improvements and possibly more features before it is released to the general public. Stay tuned for more updates as we monitor the development of the Apple Vision Pro travel mode.
“Writer. Friendly troublemaker. Lifelong food junkie. Professional beer evangelist.”