Apple’s new mixed reality headset and realityOS are expected to make their official public debut at WWDC in June 2023. And, as you’d expect, there are plenty of rumours and supposed leaks doing the rounds. But some seem to be more credible than others. Here what we can expect.
A new operating system
Each major hardware platform released by Apple has its own operating system. The new mixed reality hardware will be running a new OS currently dubbed realityOS. The software will like be another fork in the macOS road, just as the iPhone and iPad owe their foundation to the Mac.
A new hardware category
The new hardware will be headset that is expected to retail for around USD$3,000. That means when the product comes to Australia we can anticiapte a price tage apoproaching $4,500. Clearly, this is not yet expected to be a mass-market product. That said, Apple has a track record for creating markets out of nowhere. The iPhone was by far the most expensive phone on the market and yet it ended up creating a new product cateogry. The same goes for the iPad and Apple Watch.
Once a premium version of the hardware has been in the market for a while, Apple could follow with a lower cost version, much like the iPhone SE or Apple Watch SE.
Success will depend on apps
The success of any new hardware platform is completely dependent on how it can be used. And that comes down to apps. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the new headset will come with optimised versions of:
- Safari
- Calendar
- Contacts
- Home
- Files
- Messages
- Notes
- Photos
- Music
- Reminders
- Fitness+
- FaceTime
As you’d expect, Apple’s investment in Arcade, its gaming platform, will be a big part of the headset attraction. And the team in Cupertino has invested in the broadcast rights for Major League Soccer and Friday Night Baseball so we can expect new ways to watch and experience live sport. I can imagine wearing Apple’s headset and having a view that’s like sitting in the grqandstand at the game.
Apple acquired NextVR, a live sports virtual reality company, during the headset’s development. It would be surprising to not see the company leverage that investment.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.