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Apple has changed the name of its upcoming VR and AR operating system

Apple has changed the name of its upcoming VR and AR operating system

Apple’s mixed-reality headgear is still on schedule for a debut early next year, and its future operating system has a new moniker, according to a story published Thursday.

Reportedly rebranded from “realityOS” to “xrOS”. Extended reality, sometimes known as mixed reality, is a catch-all word for describing both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, as well as those that integrate elements of both.

Reports and leaks have suggested that Apple’s next upcoming headset will be an XR headset rather than a dedicated VR or AR headset, though an AR-focused device is also expected to debut at some point in the future.

The headset is planned for a debut early next year, though it has been postponed many times before and may be again again.

People familiar with the situation have reportedly told Bloomberg that Apple employees have started referring to the system software by the term xrOS. Even more, a front company using the name Deep Dive LLC has applied to register trademarks for the brand in certain jurisdictions. The trademark applications define the scope of the term as include “head-mounted displays” and “virtual reality and augmented reality experiences.”

Apple has previously utilised shell firms to file trademarks before announcing a product.

Little is known about xrOS aside from the fact that it will feature augmented reality (AR) adaptations of many popular Apple apps like FaceTime, News, Notes, Maps, and Messages. Apple is also developing a mixed-reality environment that may resemble (though not be identical to) Meta’s Horizon Worlds and the much-touted “metaverse” notion favoured by many entrepreneurs and VC firms.

Regarding the gadget’s hardware, rumours suggest it has a high-resolution screen and a number of sensors on the inside and outside. It will run on a microprocessor akin to the M2 found in contemporary Macs. Some sources have suggested that it looks a little like ski goggles, suggesting it may be a smaller and less bulky headgear than the Meta Quest or many other contemporary VR headsets.