Analysts expect Apple to release its first mixed reality headset in 2023. The company has reportedly come up with a new name for the platform – “xrOS” instead of “realityOS” or “rOS” – which from Bloomberg Mark Gurman sees it as a sign that launch is near.
“XR” stands for eXtended Reality, a term used for headsets capable of both VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality). VR creates a full CGI environment, while AR overlays data and imagery over the real world. Headsets like the Meta Quest 2 do VR with a pinch of AR, the new Find Pro is better in AR, as Microsoft’s HoloLens and Google’s Glass are focused on AR.
Other big players include Valve and HTC, as well as Sony, which is already taking pre-orders for the PSVR2. This will be the first new market segment for Apple since the introduction of the Apple Watch in 2015. It was far from the first smartwatch, but it has become a huge success – the latest Q4 reportthe Wearables, Home and Accessories division brought in more net sales than the iPad and was not far behind the Mac.
Trademark application for “xrOS” by Deep Dive LLC, a presumed shell company owned by Apple
Gurman reports that the headset will have its own app store and its own version of Apple’s core applications, things like Messages and Maps. And there will be tools for collaboration in VR and a VR version of FaceTime. This sounds like Apple wants to confront Zuckerberg’s Metaverse.
Apple already has experience in the AR space through its LiDAR-equipped iPhones and iPads, which can do a 3D scan of their environment and place virtual objects in it. Early reports claimed that the XR headset will also use LiDAR.
As for the name of the headset, a few months ago Apple trademark Reality One and RealityPro. It’s not clear if the names will change alongside the new OS branding, there’s also the possibility Apple will return to “realityOS” for the software platform.