Everything we know about RealityOS, the operating system that could usher in a new era for Apple

Rumors about new Apple products are constantly circulating. However, the vast majority of them belong to a line of devices that have been on the market for many years. Precisely because of the above, when speculations arise around brand new hardware or software, offerings from Cupertino attract even more reflectors. This is exactly what happens with realityOSthe proposed operating system that will give life to Apple’s mixed reality glasses (augmented reality + virtual reality).

Apple Glasses, as they are called in the world of rumor mills, have been making a lot of noise for quite a while now. It’s a fact that Apple is working on this device and we’re getting closer to understanding it. In fact, during WWDC 2022whose first conference will take place next June 6 at 19:00 in Spain and at 12:00 in Mexico., we could get a first glimpse of Apple’s vision in this area. Not to the device as such, but to RealityOS.

What is Reality OS? With the launch of a new family of devices, Apple usually introduces an operating system that aims to take full advantage of the capabilities of the hardware. The Mac gave birth to what we know today as macOS; iPhone to iOS and Apple Watch to WatchOS, just to name a few. Exactly the same thing will happen with augmented reality glasses.

However, RealityOS will be very different from the rest of Apple’s operating systems., as he will be the first to interact with real-world elements to a large extent. It’s also true that we don’t know too much about it, because so far Apple has been very good at keeping its secrets. Despite this, we can rely on several reliable reports, as well as patents registered by the company itself, to find some important details.

iOS, foundation of RealityOS

In 2017, we first heard about an Apple operating system dedicated entirely to augmented reality. Mark Gurman, the most trusted source when it comes to future Apple products, assured that the software will be based on iOS.

This is important in many ways. First, because the platform that gives life to the iPhone is already quite reliable today. Not only for users, but also for developers. Facilitating app development on a mixed reality device will be key to imagining an experience that offers something different from what Apple originally offers. Consequently, RealityOS will have its own app store – perhaps not to run, mind you.

Another reason Apple chose iOS as the basis for RealityOS is because it’s the first one in a long time to reach the level almost seamless integration with hardware iPhone. Why is it important? Because Apple’s mixed reality glasses require powerful hardware to match two proposals that are very different from each other.

You can often see that some people confuse virtual reality with augmented reality; however, each offers something different. Virtual reality immerses you in fictional digital world, such as a video game or the much-discussed Metaverse. Augmented reality, on the other hand, is a virtual layer that is added to enrich the real world. Apparently, Apple’s first steps in this sector intend to cover both technologies.

Entertainment and more

Virtual reality can be used in many ways. In terms of entertainment, the most prominent example is video game. It was in this industry that the technology found its first niche of enthusiasts, a niche that today continues to rely on the growth and evolution of virtual reality. Without going into details, Sony is preparing the launch of the PlayStation VR2, while Oculus and Valve continue to release their own devices.

RealityOS will also make it easier video content display, such as movies or series, through the most popular streaming services. Of course adapted to the virtual world, so the experience is different from watching them on TV. Can you imagine a simulated cinema?

the working environment can also be greatly improved with virtual reality and augmented reality. You can conduct meetings in a more interactive way, such as using the vitamin version of FaceTime. The possibilities are huge, and the imagination of Apple engineers, let alone developers, will be the limit.

Powerful hardware to make it happen

So RealityOS needs to be able to render experiences in virtual worlds as well as interact with real elements. At first glance, it seems like a lot of processing power is required, right?

There are two rumors about how Apple is going to handle such an important task in its headset. One indicates that will support iphone to handle most of the processing. Therefore, it will not be completely independent. Do you remember the addiction that existed between the first Apple Watch and iPhone? Something similar could happen with the viewfinder.

However, Ming-chi Kuo, who has many references to new Apple products in his reporting history, said that the viewer will be embedded with a processor whose performance is similar to that of the M1 chip. Yes, the same SoC we now find in some Macs and iPads. With this component, of course, you would not have to resort to connecting with an iPhone.

RealityOS, WWDC’s big “surprise”?

In recent days, the chances of meeting RealityOS during the WWDC 2022 keynote have increased. The most compelling evidence is that in December 2021 Apple files trademark application for ‘RealityOS’ at the US Patent and Trademark Office. Statement expires next June 8two days after the opening speech at WWDC 2022.

Another interesting point is that they did this through a company called Reality Systems LLC, whose address was already used by Apple to register trademarks related to macOS. Coincidence? WWDC 2022 is just around the corner and it’s likely that we’ll see RealityOS for the first time.