Rumors suggest that Apple is working on a mixed reality headset that will launch in less than a year. Apple is working on a headset operating system that will be called realityOS.

Everything we know about realityOS will be included in this guide. As we learn more about realityOS, we'll keep this guide updated.

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According to Mark Gurman, Apple will refer to the augmented reality software it has been working on as RealityOS. The headset is expected to be called Reality One or Reality Pro.

There are references to realityOS in the App Store and Apple source code.

Software Goals

Apple sees the headset as a device for gaming, watching streaming video content, and video conferencing, and that will be the focus of the software. The headset is designed for gaming, media consumption, and communication.

FaceTime

Existing features like SharePlay and Memojis/Animojis will be incorporated into the app. SharePlay allowed headset users to watch TV shows and movies with their virtual friends. With all of the cameras that the headset is expected to have, it will likely detect facial expressions and work like Memoji on the iPad

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Messages

Messages is one of the core apps that will be available on the augmented reality and virtual reality headsets. There is a rumor that Apple is creating a new version of Messages with chat rooms, support for video clips, and more.

General Apps Messages

Maps

We don't know what the Maps app might be able to do, but it will be available on the headset. It could allow users to explore cities around the world.

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Games

A range of games are expected to be supported by the augmented reality headset, which is expected to be released later this year. It's possible that Apple Arcade could include games that are available on the headset.

App Store

The Mac, iPhone, Apple TV, and Apple Watch all have their own dedicated App Stores where you can download applications.

iOS App Store General Feature Clorange

Streaming Video Content

3D content can be played in virtual reality if Apple's hiring is correct. It's possible that Apple is working with third-party services to create content that can be watched in virtual reality.

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The first version of realityOS is expected to be released in the first half of the year, when the augmented reality/ virtual reality headset is expected to debut. There's a chance that realityOS and the headset will be released before the Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

The mixed reality headset that Apple has in the works will have high-resolution displays, more than a dozen cameras, a powerful Mac-level chip, and more, with full details available in our augmented reality headset overview