Apple's new Vision Pro headset can be used as an external display for your Mac, allowing you to view and control your computer in a visionOS window. The feature is even compatible with some older Intel processor-based Macs, but there are some limitations.

Apple confirmed in a new support document that Vision Pro's Mac virtual display feature is compatible with any Mac running macOS Sonoma. If the Mac is equipped with an Apple Silicon chip, the headset will be able to display its display at up to 4K resolution. However, if the Mac is equipped with an Intel processor, Apple says the resolution can only reach up to 3K.

macOSSonoma is compatible with the following Macs:

  • MacBookPro:2018 and above

  • MacBookAir:2018 and above

  • Macmini:2018 and above

  • iMac:2019 and beyond

  • iMacPro:2017

  • MacStudio:2022 and later

  • MacPro:2019 and above

    • To use this feature, VisionPro and Mac need to be logged in to the same Apple ID, and the account must have two-factor authentication turned on. Additionally, both devices must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled to establish a connection.

    If you look at your MacBook while wearing the Vision Pro, a "Connect" button will appear above it. If it is a desktop Mac, or the button does not appear, you can also turn on the Mac virtual display in VisionPro's control center.

    You can move your Mac's virtual display and bring it closer or farther away by pinching and dragging the bottom bar of the window. You can also resize the window by pinching and dragging the window bars in the bottom corners.

    If you have multiple external monitors connected to your Mac, VisionPro only displays the one that is set as the primary display in your Mac's System Settings app.

    You can use your Mac's built-in keyboard and trackpad, or a paired Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad, to control your Mac virtual display and other visionOS applications. However, according to Apple, the VisionPro cannot be used with a Bluetooth mouse.

    Apple's instructions on turning on universal controls:

    If you want to share the mouse pointer between macOS and visionOS applications, the Handoff feature must be turned on on both devices. On Apple Vision Pro, go to Settings > General > Handoff. On a Mac, go to System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff.

    On a Mac, you'll also need to turn on "Allow your pointer and keyboard to move between any nearby Macs or iPads." Go to System Settings > Display and click Advanced.

    Apple also shared some other details:

  • Mac virtual display does not work when VisionPro is in guest mode.

  • MacVirtualDisplay does not support managed AppleIDs.

  • Devices should be no more than 10 meters (32 feet) apart to maintain connectivity.