New clues suggest that Apple is preparing an operating system for virtual and augmented reality. Its name: realityOS.
Apple’s interest in virtual or augmented reality is hardly in doubt; and rumors are multiplying about it. The most tenacious concerns the existence of a standalone mixed reality (MR) headset, that is to say capable of functioning without an iPhone or Mac. It would also be as powerful as a brand computer and could see the light of day this year.
To work, future Apple devices will also need an operating system. At Cupertino, each product category has its own system: Macs have macOS, the iPhone has iOS, the iPad relies on iPadOS, the Watch has watchOS and Apple TV has tvOS. A habit for the Apple brand that should continue when it launches its helmet. Several developers have discovered references to “realityOS” in open source code posted on Github and in App Store transfer logs. The term would refer directly to Apple’s projects in the field of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
Uh what is Apple’s RealityOS doing in the App Store upload logs?
AR/VR confirmed? pic.twitter.com/Wp7XWieeEU
— Rens Verhoeven (@renssies) January 17, 2022
Its nomenclature is inspired by those of the other systems of the firm, even if it is advisable for the moment to remain cautious. Indeed, it is possible to modify the code using a fake account. Developer Steve Troughton-Smith explains:
(Though this could just be a remnant of somebody’s pull request from a fake account. Grain of salt, etc)
—Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) February 9, 2022
A first AR/VR device in 2022… or 2023
Nevertheless, the indices are multiplying for several years concerning the arrival of Apple in this field. The term “rOS”, for “reality operating system”, was even mentioned in 2017 for journalist Mark Gurman. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is betting on the arrival of a first helmet by the end of 2022, but quantities would be limited. The device could embed an M1 chip, but Apple would encounter difficulties in cooling its chip in such a device.
For Bloomberg, it will probably be necessary to wait until 2023 to have Apple launch a product. In addition to its mixed reality headset, the Apple brand would like to launch AR glasses called Apple Glass. These projects could also help the manufacturer in the video game sector. In any case, it is unlikely to see the company address the subject during its next keynote. An event is expected to take place in March to discuss a new 2022 iPad Air and iPhone SE, as well as a MacBook Pro M2.
