Apple’s AR headset could retail at a premium price. (Image credit: D Rosa)
Apple appears to have registered their ‘xrOS’ wordmark. xrOS is likely to be the interface running on Apple’s Mixed Reality headset.
During the past few years, rumors have abounded about Apple’s mixed reality headset — and now, as WWDC 2023 approaches, Apple has registered its ‘xrOS’ wordmark. xrOS is likely to be the interface running on Apple’s Mixed Reality headset.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple has applied for a wordmark of the same name after registering the trademark earlier this year. Apple, known for its discretion, reportedly filed for the wordmark through a shell company in New Zealand. In fact, Apple used the same company to file for the xrOS trademark back in January.
For those unfamiliar, a wordmark is essentially a type of logo that brands use to promote products in the public domain. Apple usually opts for the famous San Francisco typeface created by the company, and this time is no different. This aligns with other Apple wordmarks such as iOS, iPadOS and MacOS.
In a report last year, Bloomberg noted that Apple is adopting XROS as the name for its mixed-reality software interface that powers the headset. With Apple’s shell company applying for the trademark and securing the rights to use the wordmark, it is likely that Apple has settled on the name xrOS.
As WWDC 2023 draws closer, rumors suggest that Apple’s AR/MR headset may launch during the event. However, in recent days, analysts including Ming-Chi Kuo have expressed their belief that Apple is not overly optimistic about announcing the headset. He believes that Apple aims to recreate the level of impact it achieved with the iPhone launch and as a result, the announcement could be delayed by 1-2 months to mid-to-late Q3 2023.
Kuo also pointed out that the expected yield of the product may be lower than initial estimates, leading to a delay in assembly to mass production. Kuo estimates shipments for this year to be between 2 and 3 lakh units, well below the market consensus of 5 lakh units or more.
