APPLE may be working on a pair of “metaverse goggles” that could one day replace the iPhone.
Now fans have spotted a clue that suggests we might see a glimpse of the tech very soon.
Google, Microsoft and Meta (previously Facebook) have all developed their own “smart” headsets and glasses.
These virtual reality and augmented reality gadgets are often hailed as the future of tech – potentially even replacing your iPhone one day.
But Apple hasn’t talked about a headset, despite rumours that one is secretly in development at its California HQ.
Now sleuths have uncovered a trademark filing that hints at some upcoming news.
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An international filing for the trademark realityOS has been spotted.
The name fits with Apple’s current software branding, including iOS for iPhone, iPadOS for iPad, tvOS for Apple TV, macOS for Mac and watchOS for Apple Watch.
Interestingly, the deadline date is June 8, just days after Apple’s WWDC 2022 event begins.
We’re expecting big software announcements – which could include a new virtual reality or augmented reality system.
It was spotted by gadget expert Parker Ortolani, who works at tech news site The Verge.
“It cannot be a coincidence that the ‘realityOS’ trademark owned by a company that seemingly doesn’t exist and is specifically for ‘wearable computer hardware’ is being filed around the world on June 8, 2022,” his tweet read.
The trademark wasn’t filed by Apple but a mysterious company called Realityo Systems – likely a cover to keep the filer anonymous.
Rumours of an Apple headset have been circulating for years.
And earlier this month, Apple was said to have let its board of directors try the goggles out.
The headset has been rumoured to launch either this year or next year.
But Apple may want to show off the underlying software at WWDC, a convention mostly aimed at app developers.
This could allow genius coders to create apps ahead of time – ready for the headset’s launch.
The gadget is expected to be a direct competitor to Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 headset.
And it could be Apple’s first real step into the metaverse.
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Sadly, Apple won’t reveal anything ahead of time – so we’ll have to wait for WWDC to find out.
Apple’s WWDC 2022 keynote is due to begin at 10am in California, 1pm in New York and 6pm in London on June 6.
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