The framework synchronizes USD scenes, annotations, and edits between macOS and visionOS. Understand flow, optimization and business applications.
Direct answer
Spatial Preview is a macOS 27 framework that sends spatial photos, immersive video, documents, and USD scenes to Quick Look in visionOS 27. In 3D scenes, changes can be synced both ways, and participants can review scale, materials, cameras, and annotations with collaboration via SharePlay.
How Flow Works
An application on the Mac chooses a spatial endpoint and starts a document or USD session. Content opens in Apple Vision Pro's Quick Look; for USD, the person can observe the scene in full volume or scale without the vendor having to create a complete visionOS application.
Two-way editing and collaboration
Scene uses a live USD stage to replicate changes between Mac and Vision Pro. Materials, object position, variants, playback, and annotations can participate in the review, while SharePlay allows others to join the same session.
Optimization has consequences
By default, the system can reduce meshes and textures or reconstruct complex scenes. A reconstructed scene can only be viewed without editing. Turning off optimization preserves content, but may prevent sharing when graphics costs are high.
Enterprise applications
Automotive design, architecture, product review, and industrial planning can reduce model exports, screenshots, and disconnected meetings. The pilot must measure time until decision, conflicts detected and rework avoided.
Nexus Reading
The value of spatial computing grows when it enters the existing flow of creation. Spatial Preview reduces the distance between technical file, scale perception and collaborative decision.
FAQ
Do I need to create an app for visionOS?
Apple says that the Mac can launch the Quick Look experience without specific code in visionOS.
Are USD scenes still editable?
In general, yes; however, an automatic reconstruction for performance may make the scene viewable only.
Is SharePlay supported?
Yes. The documentation describes collaboration in spatial review sessions.
Essential guides to delve deeper into the decision
This editorial analysis was produced by Nexus from the official sources below, consulted on September 9, 2026. The text is original and interprets practical implications for companies.
- Apple — Discover the Spatial Preview framework: architecture, sessions, synchronization, editing and optimization of USD scenes.
- Apple — What’s new in visionOS 27: Official overview of Spatial Preview features and applications.
Date reported by main source: WWDC 2026 technical session consulted on September 9, 2026.