Last week, leading international electronics firm Apple doubled down on its upcoming extended reality (XR) vision by once again leaking an immersive operating system (OS) for its forthcoming XR product.
Apple is debuting its xrOS for the unspecified, upcoming device. The OS is unique to the Apple XR device, much like how products such as its Apple TV and Watch have a unique OS to carry out operations.
Apple filed the trademark under a suspected shell company, Deep Dive LLC. The suspected shell is trademarking xrOS across multiple regions. Although Apple has not confirmed if xrOS belongs to the firm, reports note that Apple regularly secures technology under shell titles.
Reports believe Apple’s headset will contain an App Store similar to the firm’s smartphone storefront. The Meta Quest product portfolio and other XR headsets also include deep app stores to benefit developers and buyers.
History of RealityOS, Apple’s First xrOS
Apple first leaked its xrOS in 2017. At the time, Apple called its immersive platform RealityOS (rOS). In February this year, Apple sleuths noticed that the rOS platform reappeared on Apple’s App Store upload logs and open source code.
The found code hints at a handful of ROS components that confirm the hypothetical device’s basic features.
The revealing line “TARGET_FEATURE_REALITYOS” hints at an official application storefront. Also, “iOS_Sim executables to use realityOS_Sim” suggests the device will support simulation applications for training or entertainment.
Moreover, “builtforplatform(Platform::realityOS, true)” suggests ports of original XR applications. Finally, “allow iOS executables to use realityOS” could imply that ROS operates interoperable immersive applications across the XR headset and an iOS device. Alternatively, it may suggest Apple’s XR headset requires smartphone tethering to assist with navigation, application loading, and computing support.
Apple did not confirm or deny the status of ROS at the time. Although, it appears Apple has switched focus towards its xrOS platform to support its long-awaited immersive product.
While Apple did not confirm ROS status, more rumours persist, claiming that the firm trademarked ROS in May.
Much like the xrOS filling recently, a mysterious shell company, Realityo Systems LLC, trademarked the elusive ROS platform.
Parker Ortolani, Consumer Products Manager for The Verge, 9to5 Mac, Buzzfeed and others, noted that Realityo Systems LLC filled its trademark just days after Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference keynote in early June.
At the time, Ortolani said that a company that “seemingly doesn’t exist” trademarked ROS.
Where is Apple’s XR Headset
Amidst the persistent Apple xrOS rumours, the firm is ramping up efforts to debut a market-altering device following a lengthy development period.
Continued rumours suggest that Apple’s immersive product is still years away. Analysts currently predict that the device will drop sometime between 2025-26.
Previously, reports indicated that Apple would release an XR device earlier. Although, due to device design issues, Apple is delaying its xrOS product.
There are constant rumours explaining what the device may or may not be. Many parents from the firm indicate a range of features, from biometrics to ring-based controllers and advanced immersive displays.
But Apple is not releasing any solid proof of its XR device or features, leading to speculation over the device. Still, interest from Apple and its fans is not dwindling.
For example, Apple is continuing research and development into its immersive device. The firm expanded its MR design team in November despite product delays.
Apple’s persistence in developing the must-have XR hardware comes following a period of instability in the immersive marketplace.
Immersive technology firms like Meta and Snap are delaying or cancelling XR hardware products. But Apple appears to have confidence in the sector as it builds a device to redefine the space.
