What is xrOS? The Apple VR headset’s rumored software explained
The Apple VR headset is getting close to its rumored arrival at WWDC 2023 on June 5 – and the mixed-reality wearable is expected be launched alongside an exciting new operating system, likely called xrOS.
What is xrOS? We may now be approaching iOS 17, iPadOS 16 and macOS 13 Ventura on Apple’s other tech, but the Apple VR headset – rumored to be called the Apple Reality One – is expected to debut the first version of a new operating system that’ll likely get regular updates just like its equivalents on iPhone, iPad and Mac.
The latest leaks suggest that Apple has settled on the xrOS name for its AR/VR headset, but a lot of questions remain. For example, what new things might xrOS allow developers (and us) to do in mixed reality compared to the likes of iOS? And will xrOS run ports of existing Apple apps like Freeform?
Here’s everything we know so far about xrOS and the kinds of things it could allow Apple’s mixed-reality headset to do in both augmented and virtual reality.
xrOS release date
It looks likely that Apple will launch its new xrOS operating system, alongside its new AR/VR headset, at WWDC 2023 on June 5. If you’re looking to tune in, the event’s keynote is scheduled to kick off at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST (or 3am ACT on June 6).
This doesn’t necessarily mean that a final version of xrOS will be released on that day. A likely scenario is that Apple will launch an xrOS developer kit to allow software makers to develop apps and experiences for the new headset.
While not a typical Apple approach, this is something it has done previously for the Apple TV and other products. A full version of xrOS 1.0 could then follow when the headset hits shelves in late 2023.
The software’s name now at least looks set in stone. As spotted by Parker Ortolani on Twitter on May 16, Apple trademarked the ‘xrOS’ name in its traditional ‘SF Pro’ typeface in New Zealand, via a shell company.
We’d previously seen reports from Bloomberg that ‘xrOS’ would be the name for Apple’s mixed-reality operating system, but the timing of this discovery (and the font used) bolster the rumors that it’ll be revealed…
