The latest iOS 17 release was initially only meant for bug fixes and upgrades with the OS's performance. However, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that it may come with "nice to have" features as well.
The iOS 17
Apple wasn't originally going to put much effort into iOS 17 since reports say that it's working on the Apple Reality headset's operating system, but that has recently changed since the latest iOS now comes with more features.
According to Gurman, the new features were among the most-requested additions from Apple users. Right now, there are still no specifics as to what those features might be, only that iOS 17 is codenamed "Dawn," according to 9To5Mac.
Of course, there are already rumors circulating as to what those features might be. For one, it might come with support for sideloading apps. EU regulations have forced Apple to make some changes, and they could arrive as early as 2023 in the announcement of iOS 17.
It might also come with support for Apple's upcoming mixed-reality (MR) headset. As mentioned in Indian Express, Apple's products usually interact with one another, so it's not impossible for the AR/VR headset to be able to interact with iPhones.
The company might also release updates for CarPlay. In last year's WWDC, Apple already provided previews of what they plan to add, so those features might finally be released for 2023's WWDC with the latest iOS.
June will be an eventful month for Apple. The tech giant will announce iOS 17 at the WWDC, along with the watchOS 10, tvOS 17, and macOS 14. However, the biggest one might be the first "xrOS" for the Apple Reality headset.
Apple AR/VR Headset
Apple products are often praised by their users due to many preferred features that they cannot find elsewhere, which is why Apple's AR/VR headset gained attention even when they were nothing more than just rumors.
However, Apple is also known for its flashy price tags. Former Apple employees revealed that some have become skeptical about the release of the MR headset, according to The New York Times, which might happen in a few months.
The device is said to be priced at $3,000. Since it's brand new and it will be the first version to be released, they believe that an "unproven market" might not justify the heavy price, which compared to a Meta headset, is priced at $500.
Some of the employees working on the headset have also left the project due to doubts about its potential, while others are said to have been fired because they weren't achieving progress in some aspects like Apple Siri integration with it.
As history shows, AR/VR goggles or headsets have not been a hit in the market. The products lose their popularity very quickly. Attempts have already been made such as Meta's Quest Pro, Google Glass, and Microsoft's HoloLens.
Of course, it's still possible that Apple might change the way the devices have fared with consumers. As stated by consumer tech analyst Carolina Milanesi, Apple is good at coming into an already established market and changing that market.
