FaceTime, games and more you can expect from Apple’s realityOS

Apple has big plans with VR and AR glasses. But the hardware is only as good as the software. Here’s what we now know about realityOS that forms the basis for this new move from the tech giant.

Large companies are only too happy to get involved in the world of VR. Meta does it with the Oculus Quest, but even before that attempts were made to make VR and AR (e.g. Google Glass) a reality. But is Apple really going to be the bullet through the church for this technology?

VR and AR are still niche, but Apple thinks it’s in control

The number of VR and AR users worldwide can still be counted almost on one hand. Of course Meta is now making a half-baked attempt, but it may be Apple that can be decisive, thanks in part to realityOS. Here’s what we know so far.

#1 What’s in a name?

Apple has been working on this software since 2017. According to technology journalist Mark Gurman, it is called realityOS or rOS by the company itself. Most likely, the Apple headsets will also be called Reality One or Reality Pro.

A bit lame, but that’s still better than the code name Oak, which references turned up in App Store logs and Apple’s source code.

#2 Focus on everything(?) with realityOS

It should be clear that Apple is focusing on countless ways to release realityOS – in combination with a headset – that can be used for many purposes.

It is buzzing that the Cupertino company is delving into gaming, watching streaming videos, video calls and interacting with others, among other things.

#3 FaceTime in realityOS

One of Apple’s spearheads may be that it focuses on FaceTime. Existing features such as SharePlay and Memojis/Animojis will probably be used for this.

With SharePlay it is possible to watch TV series and movies with others, but perhaps also use Memojis via avatars at the same time. So with all the cameras that the headset is likely to get, you see your friends’ facial expressions in the form of a moving Memoji.

#4 Messages

There is a chance that Apple also wants to apply VR/AR to Messages. How exactly they will do this, however, is not yet entirely clear. One of the rumors is that there will be chat rooms, video support and people can peek into your home.

If you like that?

#5 AppleMaps

One of the most obvious applications of VR is of course Apple Maps. How cool would it be to walk around cities thanks to Look Around?

Then you have a ‘free’ virtual vacation in Miami.

#6 Gaming

One of the most important things for Apple with realityOS is of course gaming. It is not known how the company applies this. Still, it is likely that they will focus on developers who are affiliated with Apple Arcade, among others.

A few are undoubtedly urged to create VR and AR content. And otherwise Apple will purchase those developers.

#7 Will the Appstore be different for realityOS?

It makes sense to assume that the App Store is also undergoing some overhaul. The Mac, iPhone, Apple TV and Apple Watch all have their own (handy) version of the App Store.

So it would be a bit crazy if realityOS didn’t get its own segment in the virtual store as well.

#8 Apple TV+ for 3D content?

Another common assumption is that Apple TV+ will also receive VR content. How this is done remains an open question. But it’s hardly surprising if Apple makes some good deals with creators who specialize in 3D/VR videos as they probably will with game developers.

#9 But when do we dive into Apple’s realityOS?

The biggest question, however, is when Apple will roll out Reality Pro and realityOS. According to industry rumours, that could be as early as 2023. On the other hand, it is now assumed that this will be during the WDC (World Developers Conference) in June 2023.

Then the questions remain: Can we expect this then? Will Apple actually introduce all these features? Will the company become a formidable competitor of Meta? And how much will that headset cost?