Apple’s AR headset rumors resurface as trademark filings surface ahead of WWDC
A few weeks ahead of Apple’s WWDC event, where the company is expected to lift the curtain on its first augmented reality headset, the Cupertino tech giant has quietly filed another trademark application tied to the fledgling device. The new filing centers on the mark XrProOS, submitted on behalf of Deep Dive LLC, the same entity that previously registered a trademark tied to Apple itself. This mark makes its debut in public discourse with little clarity on how Tim Cook’s leadership might deploy it. Industry chatter, including observations from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, has pointed to the headset’s operating system bearing the name xrOS, suggesting the new XrProOS filing could also be connected to the same product. There’s even a scenario where Apple might have kept this mark under wraps in case the plan changes before the formal reveal. And while some reporters speculate, the exact role of XrProOS remains uncertain until Apple confirms its intentions for the device.
The talking point among insiders is that Apple’s first AR headset could make its debut during WWDC on June 5, with a forthcoming launch anticipated in 2023. The prevailing expectation is a device capable of fusing virtual and augmented reality features, with a price tag hovering around $3,000, a figure that aligns with premium headset positioning and the heavier computing requirements such devices typically demand. Observers keep an eye on whether Apple positions the headset as a standalone gadget or as part of a broader ecosystem, potentially supporting a range of software and services that extend beyond the hardware itself. The conversations also consider how the device might integrate with existing Apple systems and what kind of developer tools will accompany the launch to unlock a broader library of immersive experiences.
Earlier discussions in the tech press and industry blogs have touched on related shifts in Apple’s software strategy, including reports about a new iOS variation and how it might interact with accessories and adapters within the iPhone lineup. Those conversations help frame the broader context in which the XR/AR project is unfolding, highlighting how Apple often tests and iterates on software names and platform concepts before the public introduction. As with prior disclosures, much of the detail remains speculative, but the convergence of trademark activity and high-profile event timing fuels ongoing curiosity about how Apple aims to redefine possible uses of augmented reality in daily life.