Apple reportedly aims to make the initial setup of its upcoming augmented reality headset optional from an iPhone, a shift described by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman on the Power On newsletter. The move signals a potential departure from earlier Apple devices that relied on a paired iPhone for initial configuration. This is described as a notable change in how users may interact with new hardware from the tech giant, as the headset is positioned to operate more independently from the iPhone from the very start.
According to the latest test builds, the Reality Pro headset can be configured without an iPhone and can function on its own during setup and daily use. After the standalone configuration, user data would be uploaded directly to Apple’s iCloud cloud service. This approach contrasts with the traditional Apple workflow where an iPhone acts as the initial bridge for device setup and data provisioning. Gurman notes that there remains an option to transfer data from an iPhone or iPad to the headset during the installation process, mirroring the familiar transfer flow users have experienced with other Apple devices.
Industry insiders observe another significant change: the Reality Pro is described as operating without a physical remote. Instead, the headset would rely on the user’s eye movements and hand gestures to navigate its interfaces. Early demonstrations reportedly showed the possibility of drafting text by moving in the air, though that particular feature is still in the testing phase and not yet rolled out to all users. This hands from above, eyes as inputs concept marks a distinct departure from most current AR and VR headsets, which typically rely on remotes or handheld controllers.
Earlier reporting suggested that Apple’s wearable ecosystem would be anchored by iOS 17, with a standalone app designed to bridge the iPhone and the unannounced headset. The app is expected to enable a seamless pairing experience while offering continued interoperability with Apple’s broader software and services. The roadmap appears to emphasize a future where high-quality AR experiences can be enjoyed with less dependence on a single companion device, while still preserving familiar pathways for data synchronization and transfer as needed.
Industry coverage points to a launch window aligned with Apple’s WWDC Developers Conference, where the company traditionally showcases major product updates and new hardware alignments. The anticipation around the Reality Pro underscores Apple’s intent to redefine how users interact with digital content, blending immersive visuals with intuitive, noninvasive input methods. The overall narrative suggests a shift toward more autonomous devices that still provide familiar integration points for users who prefer to migrate data from existing Apple devices when they choose. The developments also reflect broader trends in the AR space, where hardware designers are experimenting with input modalities that minimize the need for external accessories.