Apple renames mixed-reality software ‘xrOS’ in sign headset is approaching

When Apple started developing the operating system about seven years ago, the company internally dubbed it "realityOS” – or "rOS” for short. — AFP

Apple Inc. is ramping up work on a mixed-reality headset, its first major new product category since the Apple Watch, and has renamed the accompanying software in the latest sign of an approaching debut.

The company plans to introduce the headset as early as next year, along with a dedicated operating system and app store for third-party software, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Internally, the company recently changed the name of the operating system to "xrOS” from "realityOS,” said the people, who asked not to be identified because the project is still under wraps.