Reality OS | XROS
Some industry insiders refer to the highly anticipated virtual reality and augmented reality headset from Apple as the Vision Pro.
However, xrOS has been rumored to be the operating system that will power the device. A new software platform for Apple's augmented and virtual reality headsets is rumored to be called xrOS, sometimes known as realityOS. This would be similar to how iOS and macOS operate.
It's been quite some time since Apple released an entirely new operating system for its products. And the Vision Pro, if it is actually being worked on and ready for a revelation at WWDC 2023, will be Cuprtino's first mixed reality headset, which implies that it merges both virtual reality and augmented reality. This is if it is indeed being worked on and prepped for a reveal at WWDC 2023.
While we are hearing more and more rumors regarding the Reality Pro headset, we are hearing less and fewer leaks and tips concerning the xrOS operating system. There have, however, been some tidbits of information to mull over, and we are also in a position to make some educated predictions as to what the new platform might be capable of.
Apple's augmented reality and virtual reality operating system has a rather confusing naming convention. Considering that nothing has been established, we could make the assumption that xrOS and realityOS are the same thing.
However, 9to5Mac has sources that indicate those two platforms are distinct from one another. realityOS is reportedly a name for a piece of software that functions similarly to iOS and is based on the functionality available on the iPhone. Although xrOS is built on macOS, its primary purpose seems to be to provide access to more robust desktop-level applications and services.
To add further confusion to the situation, trademark applications have been submitted for a product called "xrProOS." However, it is not apparent what this could be, nor does it appear that Apple has any intentions of releasing an operating system with this name. It's possible that Apple is merely being cautious with regard to its trademarks.
It's possible that realityOS and xrOS refer to the same thing. realityOS operates while the Apple VR/AR headset is used independently, but xrOS takes over if and when the headset is linked to a Mac.
xrOS is the only operating system that has been spotted emerging within Apple's ecosystem as of this moment. During his time with Apple Store Connect, a developer by the name of Steve Troughton-Smith uncovered a reference to "xros" in an error message. It is possible that this will result in xrOS being released, even if, in the end, it is merged with realityOS.
For the time being, we'll refer to the operating system as xrOS so as not to cause any confusion with the supposed name for the headset, which is Reality Pro.
At Apple's WWDC 2023 event on June 5, it is extremely likely that we will see xrOS or realityOS, or both of these operating systems. It would not make much sense to withhold showing the operating systems that power the devices, especially at a showcase that is geared toward the developer community, given that Apple is rumored to be preparing to unveil its VR/AR headset.
Apple is likely going to make the announcement of its new operating system at a conference that is focused on developers. This makes sense, given that Reality Pro is anticipated to be designed more for developers than for consumers. As the price of the headset is expected to be around $3,000, it is unlikely that the typical consumer of technology will be able to purchase it.
It would not surprise us in the least if xrOS was released this summer in the form of a beta version for developers to test out before it was eventually developed into a platform that was suitable for consumer use. Depending on when the headset is first made available, the full version of xrOS might not be released until the fall or the early part of 2024.
The capabilities and features of Apple's xrOS operating system
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has provided the most important piece of information regarding the capabilities that xrOS would offer to the realm of augmented and virtual reality. The trustworthy Apple insider provided a list of potential applications for realityOS, including essential features.
According to Gurman, xrOS would have an interface that is influenced by iOS, and it will contain mixed reality versions of popular iPhone apps such as Safari, Calendar, Maps, Messaging, Notes, Photos, and Music, as well as other applications.
According to Gurman, the "main interface" will be "nearly identical to that of the iPhone and iPad." This might be quite encouraging, as the widespread use of iOS and its user-friendliness could make it a lot less difficult for consumers to begin experimenting with augmented and virtual reality.
Virtual reality encounters can be sufficiently disorienting for some people, particularly when they have to learn a whole new user interface or platform. Another option to simplify the installation process of a mixed reality headset is to provide consumers with access to the services that they already employ.
The question that has to be answered is how effectively these apps would function in an AR or VR setting. For the first scenario, we may picture apps like the Calendar delivering a preview of upcoming events that is projected on a wall in the physical world. When it comes to virtual reality, the Music app might one day provide users a virtual console hall or stadium to make them feel more involved in the music they are listening to or the album they are listening to.
Given that virtual reality (VR) could readily enhance video calls by placing users in some kind of virtual environment, this one appears to be something of a no-brainer for xrOS.
It could sound a little bit like Apple's interpretation of what's known as the metaverse. But in light of the fact that Apple has always placed a significant emphasis on the aesthetics and design of its products, we think the concept of chatting with your pals in a digital parlor designed by Cupertino's user interface experts may be rather appealing. We've been told that there will be rendered avatars of people, and it will be fascinating to see how realistic (or bizarre) they appear to be.
Reality Pro users will purportedly be able to use xrOS to watch movies in a digital theater as a natural progression from the experience of taking part in VR. When it comes to virtual reality headgear, this is nothing new. However, a virtual theater experience might be improved by utilizing Apple's Spatial Audio technology, which is available through products such as the AirPods Pro 2, in conjunction with Apple's own streaming service, Apple TV Plus, which includes its own original programming.
In addition, Gurman alleges that Apple has been in talks with a dozen different media partners, including Disney and Dolby Laboratories, regarding the production of virtual reality content on xrOS.
According to Gurman, Apple is hard at work developing a version of Fitness Plus that will be compatible with the VR/VR headset. In principle, this would allow users to get their workouts in with the help of a virtual trainer.
It is unclear if this would imply the use of augmented reality (AR) to superimpose a trainer into someone else's workout space or whether this will mean the provision of a totally virtual gym. However, the inclusion of such functionality makes sense and is connected to Apple's existing ecosystem of services.
For users to be able to text and write in xrOS, there will apparently be a form of in-air typing experience, most likely with a virtual keyboard that uses movement tracking to figure out which keys a user is tapping. Additionally, users may expect some form of iPhone pairing to be introduced, which would allow them to tap in text via their phones.
Gurman suggested that Apple could release an xrOS version of the Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro applications in the near future. This would enable creative professionals, such as video editors, to use mixed reality for editing reasons. This may sound strange, but it could be one method to improve workflows, timelines, and layout tools without the requirement for a big multi-monitor setup.
As was previously reported, the platform that merges Reality Pro with Mac computers might be referred to as xrOS in the future. There is a persistent rumor that suggests it will be possible to extend your Mac in VR and use numerous virtual desktops. It is not hard to imagine the Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality headset being used in conjunction with the most recent Macs, considering the strength of the Apple Silicon chips and how Macs are used for creative work.
While we're on the subject of visuals, Gurman mentioned that gaming is likely going to be a component of both xrOS and Reality Pro. Since Apple currently has its ARKit, which gives app developers the ability to create augmented reality applications for iPhones, this capability could easily be moved over to Reality Pro.
Equally, Cupertino has developers working on original and exclusive games for iPhones, iPads, and Macs thanks to Apple Arcade; thus, we might see that skill utilized for virtual reality games that operate on xrOS.
Mixed reality headsets have been tried by a lot of different firms, but none of them have really been successful in breaking them out of the niche market and into the mainstream. The Meta Quest 2 is a success, despite the fact that it is more of a large fish in a somewhat tiny pond. And it is possible that the Reality Pro headset and xrOS will pique the interest of Apple enthusiasts, but that they will only be utilized by a limited audience if Apple does not end up developing a consumer AR/VR headset that is interesting.
However, it is evident that Apple has experience in the production of high-quality software that is easy to use. In addition, Apple possesses a complete ecosystem consisting of hardware, software, and developers that may be leveraged in order to make mixed reality interesting to a large audience.
When Apple has entered a market in the past, the company has been known to cause a commotion and to establish a new benchmark for competitors to strive toward. Consequently, xrOS and Reality Pro have the potential to be one of the most interesting things that Apple has introduced in recent years.