Apple registers "xrOS" trademark ahead of expected MR headset WWDC 2023 unveiling

In a further sign that Apple will unveil its long-awaited mixed reality (MR) headset at WWDC 2023, the company has taken out a trademark on the term “xrOS”, as noted by Parker Ortalani. xrOS was revealed by Bloomberg as the name Apple was planning to use for the operating system powering the headset. It is thought that this is short for “extended reality operating system”. Apple’s headset is expected to mix both augmented reality (AR) with virtual reality (VR) making the naming of the operating system apt for such a product.

The Apple headset is expected to be called the “Reality Pro” with rumors pointing to a sky-high initial price of $3,000. Naturally, it will come with custom Apple silicon, with a main processor expected to be on par with the performance of an Apple M2 chip mated to 16GB of RAM along with a co-processor. Battery life is expected to be around 2 hours with a proprietary MagSafe connector fitted for charging purposes, suggesting that it can consequently be worn while charging and the connector detaching without risk of pulling off the headset. It could be controlled by digital rings, rather than traditional VR controllers, and is expected to have state-of-the-art optics powered by high-resolution OLED panels.

Apple is known for reinventing or revolutionizing products, however, throughout the tenure of current CEO Tim Cook, only the Apple Watch and AirPods have been the only major new categories the company has entered. While both have been very popular, neither have substantially differed substantially in approach compared to other pre-existing products in the category. With Tim Cook heading towards the back end of his tenure, it is thought Cook is looking to secure his legacy with the Apple MR headset. It will remain to be seen whether Apple is able to reinvigorate a segment that has not met expectations to date.

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