Apple's 'Reality Pro' Headset Said to Launch Before WWDC, Ships in the Fall

Apple's AR/VR headset, likely to be named "Reality Pro," will be announced during an event this spring before WWDC, which is typically held in June, before the product begins shipping this fall.

apple ar headset concept 2Concept render by Ian Zelbo based on purported leaked information

In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that Apple's current plan is to announce the headset during an event in the spring, before the company's Worldwide Developers Conference in June. According to Gurman, Apple plans to announce the product, then have developers introduced to its operating system, xrOS, at WWDC, before shipping it in the fall.

The final postponement, at least for the moment, happened last year. Up until fairly recently, Apple had aimed to introduce the headset in January 2023 and ship it later this year. Now the company is aiming to unveil it this spring ahead of the annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, I'm told.

With the current plan, Apple could introduce the device to consumers — likely under the name Reality Pro — and then get developers up to speed on its software features in June. On this timeline, the company would then ship the product later in the fall of 2023.

Apple has been rumored to announce its AR/VR headset for the last several years, with 2023 seeming to be the year it finally happens. According to Gurman, Apple is already working with several "high-profile developers" on experiences and apps for the new headset and the ‌xrOS‌ operating system. Apple's first headset is expected to be a high-end and niche product, tailored towards professionals and developers before a more consumer-friendly headset launches in the next several years.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

Top Rated Comments

dantracht Avatar
9 months ago
Sorry but I couldn’t be less interested in this. Sure, it will be cool to see the usual YouTube suspects go on and on and on and on about how amazing it is, but can’t Apple focus on fixing the bugs instead of this pointless product?

Just my opinion, I respect yours.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RedTheReader Avatar
9 months ago
I can’t wait for this one. First an underwhelming release with no real features people want to use, then a gradual acceptance over the years, then widespread adoption of a device category that’s gotten no more useful over the years.

Apple Watch and iPad all over again.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacDevil7334 Avatar
9 months ago
Still not even remotely sold on the need for this device or whether it will be worth the trade-offs of a heavy headset on your face. Of course, I was also incredibly skeptical of the Apple Watch and now it’s a daily wear device for me. So, if anyone can change my mind, it’s Apple!

I will say it is very nice to see Apple making new hardware for a change instead of yet another subscription or advertising “service” to grow revenue. I’m rooting for this device to succeed for that reason, even if I never buy one.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FloridaScrubJay Avatar
9 months ago
The ultimate device for social isolation. I guess I am getting too old, however I feel sorry for our future generations. Take a walk in a park and enjoy the true natural world.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Doebldodl Avatar
9 months ago
"consuemr-firendel headset". Please fix :)

(Update: now fixed. Thanks!)
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ninethirty Avatar
9 months ago
But when will Apple get with the times and release a foldable AR/VR headset?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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