No Hope To See Apple VR / AR Headset At WWDC Next Week

The upcoming Apple VR / AR headset is on everyone’s lips. Not only Apple fans but also many manufacturers are looking up to the Cupertino-based company for inspiration. And though recently, we have been getting many leaks concerning this device, most likely, we won’t see it until 2023.

In fact, we have known that Apple is working on a mixed reality headset for a few years. There was a time that we were thinking all of its specs were already disclosed. But later, we learned that the company was facing serious issues that caused inevitable delays. Recently, the Apple VR / AR headset has become the talk of the town again. And we began thinking its launch is around the corner. Moreover, we wished to see it at WWDC in a few days. Alas, this is not the case.

Today, a well-known tipster said that there is no hope that Apple will unleash its first smart glasses at the show. Instead, they are scheduled for a 2023 release.

Apple VR /AR Headset To Run On Brand-New realityOS

We still need to learn much about the features of the forthcoming Apple VR / AR headset. But one thing seems to be confirmed even at this phase of development. We are talking about the system the glasses will run on, realityOS. Apple’s first-gen smart glasses will be a mixed reality (MR) or extended reality (XR) device. So the system should provide a corresponding experience.

In fact, Apple never confirmed the realityOS moniker. But when looking at other software of the company (iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS), it certainly falls in line with. Moreover, a few days ago, there were some reports proving Apple filed a trademark for realityOS via one of its shell companies.

This could be a good hint that Apple is going to release a mixed reality headset. Maybe the company will even hold some sort of realityOS demo/introduction at WWDC 2022. Who knows?

Previously, Apple has been introducing some new products several months before the start of sales. In this regard, there is every reason to think that Apple might uncover its first VR headset soon but ship next year. This will also give time to developers to adapt their apps to realityOS.

Nevertheless, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman doesn’t think the Apple VR / AR headset is ready. Something similar was tweeted by Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known insider who has always provided accurate info about the Apple yet-to-come devices. The analyst said the device is not ready for mass production. What’s worse, Apple wouldn’t introduce realityOS at the event.

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It still takes some time before Apple AR/MR headset enters mass production, so I don't think Apple will release AR/MR headset and rumored realityOS at WWDC this year. Apple's competitors worldwide can't wait to see the hardware spec and OS design for Apple's AR/MR headset.

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 31, 2022

Kuo said, “Apple’s competitors worldwide can’t wait to see the hardware spec and OS design for Apple’s AR/MR headset.” This is why Apple’s rivals are eagerly waiting for the new VR headset. Kuo added that competitors will “immediately kick off copycat projects and happily copy Apple’s excellent ideas, and hit the store shelves before Apple launches in 2023.” Agree that Kuo’s words make sense.