Trademarks might reveal name of Apple VR/AR headset

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Apple mixed reality headset
The first Apple VR/AR headset might be dubbed "Reality One."
Photo: Vu Hoang/Flickr CC

Companies working with Apple have reportedly filed for trademarks in multiple countries that might relate to Apple’s upcoming virtual reality and augmented reality headset. They are variations on “Reality,” and it’s possible the filings reveal the name for the device.

The Apple VR/AR headset could be unveiled as easily as the Mac-maker’s September 7 product lunch event.

Get ready for the Apple ‘Reality One’

Leaks and rumors about an Apple AR/VR headset have circulated for years. Possible uses range from gaming to employee training.

Cupertino has tried to conceal its interest in this type of product, with occasional lapses. But it now apparently wants trademarks for the terms “Reality One,” “Reality Pro” and “Reality Processor,” according to Bloomberg.

Trademarks might reveal name of Apple VR/AR headset
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office might reveal the name of Apple’s VR/AR headset.
Screenshot: USPTO

The trademark filings were not made by Apple but by a shell corporation that used law firms previously employed by Apple. In the past, the company has used this method to try to hide unannounced products, notes Bloomberg. This is how it previously trademarked “RealityOS,” for example.

Given the dearth of detail, there’s no way to know whether Reality One and Reality Pro are two different products or if Apple hasn’t made up its mind.

Expect a cutting-edge Apple VR/AR headset

When released, the first Apple VR/AR headset supposedly will benefit from a top-tier feature set. Tipsters say it will pack three high-res displays, one of which will be external. Many types of sensors will detect the wearer’s surroundings and body motions. Nevertheless, the device will be less bulky than rivals like Meta’s Oculus Quest 2.

It’ll supposedly be built around a chip on par with the Apple M1 to power its performance. This could be the Reality Processor that Apple wants a trademark on.

As noted, the Apple headset allegedly will offer virtual reality and augmented reality. AR overlays computer-generated images or text onto the real world. It’s different from virtual reality, which completely replaces the real world.

The high-end feature set reportedly will mean the headset comes with an equally high-end price.

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