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.
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.
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.
Thursday January 29, 2026 10:07 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today confirmed to Reuters that it has acquired Q.ai, an Israeli startup that is working on artificial intelligence technology for audio.
Apple paid close to $2 billion for Q.ai, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone and audio brand Beats in 2014.
Q.ai has...
Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon.
In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
In his Powe...
Monday January 26, 2026 1:55 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch.
Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More
Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
Saturday January 31, 2026 10:51 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple recently updated its online store with a new ordering process for Macs, including the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro.
There used to be a handful of standard configurations available for each Mac, but now you must configure a Mac entirely from scratch on a feature-by-feature basis. In other words, ordering a new Mac now works much like ordering an...
A newly surfaced resale operation is seemingly offering Apple Store–exclusive display accessories to the public for the first time, potentially giving consumers access to Apple-designed hardware that the company has historically kept confined to its retail environments.
Apple designs a range of premium MagSafe charging stands, display trays, and hardware systems exclusively for displays in ...
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.
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.
