Apple is testing a new feature for its Vision Pro headset that might change how users interact with virtual environments. The company is reportedly working on eye-scrolling, a function that lets you scroll through apps simply by moving your eyes. This feature could make navigating the Vision Pro’s interface more natural and hands-free.
Currently, Vision Pro users control the system by looking at items and pinching their fingers to select them. This method combines eye-tracking with hand gestures to move through menus and content. The new eye-scrolling feature would build on this by allowing users to scroll by directing their gaze, without needing to use their hands. The technology is part of Apple’s ongoing work on visionOS 3, the next major update to the headset’s operating system.
Reports say that this eye-scrolling function will work across all of Apple’s native apps on the Vision Pro. Developers will also get tools to add eye-scrolling to their own apps, expanding how the feature can be used. This could open the door to many new ways to interact with virtual reality content, making the experience smoother and more immersive.
Though Apple has not officially confirmed this development, leaks and insider information suggest that the company plans to reveal more details at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2025. WWDC has traditionally been the platform for Apple to announce major software updates, and visionOS 3 is expected to be a highlight.
Eye-tracking technology is not new in virtual reality and augmented reality devices, but Apple’s approach focuses on precision and ease of use. The Vision Pro already features advanced eye-tracking sensors that can determine exactly where a user is looking. Adding eye-scrolling could reduce the need for hand gestures, which some users find tiring over long periods.
From a user perspective, scrolling with your eyes could feel more intuitive. Imagine reading a long article or browsing a photo gallery where just a glance downward scrolls the content. This could also improve accessibility for people who have difficulty using hand controls.
While the concept sounds promising, there are challenges to consider. The system must differentiate between intentional scrolling and casual eye movement to avoid accidental input. Apple’s engineers will likely refine algorithms to ensure that scrolling triggers only when the user intends it.
This feature fits into a broader trend of making technology more responsive to natural human behaviors. Apple’s investment in eye-tracking aligns with its vision of creating devices that respond seamlessly to users’ intentions without complicated controls.
The Vision Pro launched earlier this year with features like spatial computing and hand gesture control. Apple positions it as a new platform for work, play, and communication, blending virtual and real worlds. Enhancing the control methods will be key to increasing adoption and making daily use more comfortable.
If Apple releases eye-scrolling as expected, it could set a new standard for virtual reality user interfaces. Other companies might follow suit, pushing the entire industry toward more natural, gaze-based interaction methods.
For now, users interested in the Vision Pro and visionOS should watch for announcements at WWDC 2025. The introduction of eye-scrolling could be one of the most talked-about features and might redefine how we navigate virtual spaces.
