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App Store Connect Hints at xrOS as Name of Apple's Headset Software

Just days ahead of WWDC, where Apple is expected to unveil its long-rumored AR/VR headset, developer Steve Troughton-Smith has managed to trick App Store Connect into showing the headset's rumored "xrOS" operating system name.

xrOS Feature Blue Triad

Apple headset concept by Marcus Kane

After analyzing some of Apple's open source code, Troughton-Smith attempted to submit an app crafted for the headset. App Store Connect rejected the app, but recognized it as an xrOS binary in an error message, despite Troughton-Smith never mentioning xrOS. This provides yet another indication that xrOS will be the public-facing name of the headset's operating system, as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported.

App Store Connect xrOS
The error message, which does not capitalize xrOS or iOS:

Incorrect Platform. You included the xros arm64 executable in your ios bundle. Only ios executables can be included.

Apple is likely behind a few shell companies that have applied for trademarks for various other names, including xrProOS, realityproOS, and realOS, but it appears increasingly likely that xrOS will prevail as the name of the headset's operating system.

Earlier this week, we published a guide that provides an overview of what to expect from xrOS based on rumors. Apple is expected to preview xrOS alongside iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17 during its WWDC keynote on June 5. The headset itself is also expected to be unveiled, providing a first look at the hardware.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

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Top Rated Comments

43 months ago

What is the X even supposed to mean?
Expensive.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ Avatar
43 months ago
Really wish Apple had picked the name, "Reality OS". I'm still upset about that. 😒
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr. Dee Avatar
43 months ago
I pronounce it Zeros. Anyway, this guy Steve Troughton-Smith is a genius. I'm sure Apple has tried to hire but he keeps declining. He knows too much not to be working there.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
43 months ago

Really wish Apple had picked the name, "Reality OS". I'm still upset about that. 😒
RealityOS is too geeky and Metaverse like where as Extended Reality is more realistic! Some say VR has a negative connotation of being cooped up in a basement somewhere being anti-social.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
klasma Avatar
43 months ago
If Eros and Xerox had a child.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrWayne Avatar
43 months ago
I still believe it will be more AR than VR
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)