Rumors are swirling that Apple is making significant strides to bring controller compatibility to its Vision Pro headset. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, there’s an intriguing collaboration with Sony to enable PSVR 2 controllers to work seamlessly with Apple’s new device.
Gurman first mentioned last year that Apple reached out to Sony early in 2024. This move was part of a broader effort to integrate PSVR 2 controller support into Apple’s $3,500 XR headset. Around that time, Apple was also in talks with third-party developers to incorporate this controller support into their games.
“Every indication suggests this project is still underway,” Gurman shares in his recent ‘Power On’ newsletter. He hints that this support could come via a software update to visionOS 3 later this year.
When Vision Pro launched in February 2024, it didn’t include controllers. Instead, it focused on hand and eye-tracking features, reflecting its design as a versatile computing platform rather than being solely a gaming device like the Meta Quest.
Teaming up with Sony is a strategic move. Sony has already made its PSVR 2 compatible with PC VR games using an optional adapter, hinting at a reduced commitment to its newest VR headset. For Apple, this partnership offers developers a familiar controller setup, without directly competing with Sony’s offerings.
If Gurman’s reports hold true, introducing motion controller support would signal Apple’s intent to captivate mainstream VR gamers—aligning with expectations for a contemporary XR headset. Even though Apple seemed hesitant to produce its own controllers or support third-party ones initially, the landscape appears to be shifting.
This hasn’t deterred third-party developers from taking matters into their own hands, with Surreal Touch controllers leading the charge. They successfully raised $127,000 on Kickstarter. These controllers sidestep the need for Vision Pro’s tracking by using onboard cameras, much like Meta’s Touch Pro controllers. For more detailed insights, XR industry expert Nima Zeighami offers an early look at the Surreal Touch experience.
