New Apple ‘RealityOS’ Operating System Looks To Be Confirmed In Its Software
Apple’s mixed-reality headset—rumored to be the product to lead its next major category—will supposedly require an iPhone to function, but it will run on a unique operating system, much like how the iPad has iPadOS and the Apple Watch has WatchOS. The Cupertino tech giant seems to have leaked this fact via its own software.
Spotted by app developers Matthew Davis and Steve Troughton-Smith, references to “RealityOS” have been found in Apple’s open-source code and App Store upload logs.
“#if TARGET_FEATURE_REALITYOS”
— Steve Troughton-Smith (@stroughtonsmith) February 9, 2022
Well then. This at least confirms it 1) has its own OS & binaries, and 2) has a realityOS Simulator https://t.co/6a25kWshXR pic.twitter.com/RyF5O5gFjg
Looks like #Apple just accidentally confirmed #RealityOS. 🥽
— matthewdavis.eth (@IAmMatthewDavis) February 9, 2022
Whoops!https://t.co/IEowqdVcf2 pic.twitter.com/LsNRRalGld
It had been reported that Apple was looking to launch the first-gen AR/VR gear this year, but technical hurdles, like overheating issues, have dampened this vision. Instead, tech analysts like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman are now expecting a 2023 date.
The headset is one of at least two augmented-reality projects that Apple is working on, says MacRumors. The other is a pair of Apple smart glasses.
The mixed-reality headset, which should arrive first, is described by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo to sport M1-style Apple silicon chips to deliver performance similar to a Mac’s. Users can also switch between AR and VR viewing modes.
“RealityOS” appearing in the App Store log validates speculations that Apple is building a specific App Store for the gadgets. Gurman noted that it would be an “all-encompassing 3-D digital environment” centered on AR/VR gaming, streaming video, and video conferencing.
[via MacRumors and 9to5Mac, cover photo 115268571 © Eric Broder Van Dyke | Dreamstime.com]
