In 2023, Apple is about to enter a brand new market with a mixed-reality headset. When this product is lastly unveiled, it’s anticipated to function xrOS. Since tvOS and the HomePod working system have been the final working programs introduced by Apple, right here’s what we all know in regards to the firm’s plan concerning its new OS for the Actuality Professional headset.
What’s Apple going to name its AR headset working system?
The primary technology of Apple’s combined actuality headset will doubtless be known as xrOS. This info comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He says that is the identify used internally by Apple, and it could imply one thing like an “prolonged actuality” working system.
That stated, Apple additionally filed a trademark for realityOS through considered one of its shell firms originally of the 12 months. With that in thoughts, 9to5Mac‘s Filipe Espósito claims that, in the intervening time, there isn’t an accurate reply as Apple might be readying each xrOS and realityOS for its future Combined Actuality and Augmented Actuality ambitions. Right here’s why:
Espósito factors out that Apple has registered a number of logos utilizing the “Actuality” model, akin to Actuality One, Actuality Professional, and Actuality Processor. That stated, it doesn’t imply xrOS, as reported by Gurman, is flawed.
In keeping with 9to5Mac sources, Apple has certainly been utilizing the identify ‘xrOS’ internally for one thing realted to its new combined actuality merchandise.
Nevertheless, plainly the corporate has two completely different AR/VR platforms, one based mostly on iOS, and the opposite based mostly on macOS. It’s unclear at this level whether or not the platforms have completely different functions, or whether or not Apple has been experimenting with each. however what we’ve heard is that ‘realityOS’ is what the corporate’s engineers have been calling the iOS-based platform, and ‘xrOS’ could be the macOS-based platform.
xrOS options
Since this would be the first technology of the xrOS, it might want to construct the inspiration of this working system. That stated, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman not too long ago reported how the Actuality Professional headset would work and convey a number of the features we’ll see concerning xrOS.
VR FaceTime Expertise: Apple will supply a VR-like FaceTime expertise. The one-on-one name will “realistically render a consumer’s face and full physique in digital actuality.” It is going to make two folks talk and really feel like they’re in the identical room. Extra customers might be displayed as an icon or Memoji.
In-air typing: Apple will supply modern in-air typing for the reason that Actuality Professional gained’t have a distant management. Though the primary expertise gained’t be pretty much as good because the Cupertino agency desires, customers can even use their iPhones to kind.

Immersive video watching: A most important core of Apple’s upcoming mixed-reality headset might be immersive video watching. Apple is claimed to be working with Disney, Dolby and bringing its personal Apple TV Plus materials. In keeping with Gurman, “Apple is planning for the headset to have a devoted video-watching function that may make viewers really feel like they’re seeing a film on a large display screen in one other atmosphere, akin to a desert or outer house.”
Mac Integration: xrOS will combine with macOS because the Actuality Professional headset might work as a Mac show in digital actuality.”
iPhone-like atmosphere: xrOS will depend on many purposes iPhone customers are acquainted with. Gurman says xrOS’ “most important interface might be practically equivalent to that of the iPhone and iPad,” with a house display screen with a grid of icons that may be organized. Customers will be capable to pin widgets.
A number of the apps included are Safari, Photographs, Mail, Messages, Calendar, and Apple providers.
xrOS launch date
xrOS launch date will rely on when Apple plans to announce the mixed-reality headset. At the moment, rumors say the Cupertino agency might announce the headset by WWDC 2023 and launch it alongside the iPhone 15 in September – and even at a later date.
If the corporate unveils the headset in June, at the least we’ll know a number of the xrOS options and its correct identify. WWDC 2023 will happen on June 5.
Though Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the corporate might delay the announcement of the headset throughout WWDC as a result of it’ll take a bit extra to mass produce the Actuality Professional headset, there’s nonetheless an opportunity that we see a preview of this software program in June as Apple has already previewed a product after which took a number of extra months to launch it.
xrOS gadget compatibility
This working system might be suitable with Apple’s unannounced mixed-reality headset.