Apple has reportedly changed the name of its mixed reality operating system to “xrOS,” suggesting that the company may be close to releasing a mixed reality headset.
Apple's "realityOS," the alleged operating system for its AR and VR platform, has reportedly been renamed "xrOS." According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg Apple could launch its combined AR/VR headset as early as next year. Rumors suggest that Apple has been working on an Apple VR or AR headset, which would run its own operating system, for some time. "XR" is short for "Extended Reality," which encompasses both virtual and augmented reality.
Apple xrOS includes both AR and VR technology
For example, xrOS stands for "Extended Reality Operating System." Details about a dedicated operating system for the headset date back to 2017. At that time, it was reported that Apple's headset would have its own display and processor, as well as a new operating system. Back then, the software was still called "rOS." Apple is said to be working on at least three AR and VR headsets. They are said to be codenamed "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 competes with the Meta Quest Pro and may launch in 2023.
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The N602 will apparently be the second generation of the headset, offering consumers two variants. One will offer improvements over the first model, while the other will be a more affordable alternative. The third variant, the N421, is rumored to be less of a headset and closer to the idea of Apple Glass—that is, glasses. Apple's first headset, currently in an "advanced" stage of development, could feature 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)
