Apple has reportedly changed the name of its mixed reality operating system to "xrOS", suggesting that the company may be on the verge of releasing a mixed reality headset.
Apple's "realityOS", the presumed operating system for its AR and VR platform, has reportedly been renamed "xrOS". According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg Apple could launch its combined AR/VR headset on the market as early as next year. According to rumors, Apple has been working on an Apple VR or AR headset for some time, which is to be equipped with its own operating system. "XR" is the abbreviation for "Extended Reality", which includes both virtual and augmented reality.
Apple xrOS includes both AR and VR technology
So xrOS means "Extended Reality Operating System". Details about a separate operating system for the headset date back to 2017, when it was reported that Apple's headset would have its own display and processor as well as a new operating system. At that time, the software was still called "rOS". It is said that Apple is working on at least three AR and VR headsets. They are said to run under the codenames "N301", "N421" and "N602". The N301 is said to be the "Apple Reality Pro", a name for the headset that appeared in trademark applications at the end of August. This headset is said to be a mixed reality model that will compete against the Meta Quest Pro and may be launched on the market in 2023.
Apple Reality Pro: Will Apple unveil the brand new product in 2023?
The N602 will apparently be the second generation of the headset, which will offer consumers two variants. One will offer improvements over the first model, while the other will be a cheaper alternative. The third variant, N421, is rumored to be less of a headset and closer to the idea of Apple Glass - a pair of glasses. Apple's first headset, which is currently in an "advanced" stage of development, could include two 4K OLED displays, 15 externally mounted camera modules and potential support for eye-tracking and hand gestures. The first wave could also be an expensive headset, with suggested prices of up to $3,000. (Photo by peshkov / Bigstockphoto)
