Apple trademarks “xrOS” as the new name for its XR headset operating system

Analysts expect Apple to launch its first mixed reality headset in 2023. The company has reportedly come up with a new name for the platform – “xrOS” instead of “realityOS” or “rOS” – which Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman sees as a sign that the launch is near.

“XR” stands for eXtended Reality, a term applied to headsets that are capable of both VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality). VR creates an all CGI environment, while AR overlays data and imagery over the real world. Headsets like the Meta Quest 2 do VR with a pinch of AR, the new Quest Pro is better at AR, the likes of Microsoft’s…