Apple has set up a special area dedicated to the AR/VR headset demo

According to Bloomberg’s Mark GurmanApple has built a special area within Apple Park to conduct hands-on demonstrations of the Apple Reality Pro AR/VR headset to the press following its WWDC keynote presentation.

Gurman says Apple plans to show the eyewear to “certain attendees and members of the press” on June 5thas well as organizing future demonstrations throughout the summer. The glasses probably will be available for sale at the end of the year or early 2024.

While the device has been informally referred to as the “Apple Reality Pro” until now, the final marketing name remains uncertain. Apple has registered trademarks of other names such as “Reality One” and “XR Pro”. It is believed that the operating system will be called “xrOS“.

One of the main features planned for the product is an enhanced FaceTime experience, in which users will be able to conduct one-on-one virtual meetings using almost photorealistic avatars, and not just cartoon characters like the Memoji. The goal is to create the feeling that users are interacting in the same place.

Bloomberg says the demos will focus on showcasing the immersive experience of FaceTime calling, as well as Apple TV+ content and gaming in a virtual reality environment:

Apple built a large facility on the Apple Park campus to provide hands-on demonstrations of the device to select attendees and members of the press. The company has set up an area on the basketball courts near the employee fitness center. Apple is also planning future demonstrations over the summer. During the device presentations, he will focus on the immersive experience of FaceTime in virtual reality, Apple TV+ content and games.

The AR/VR headset will be unveiled for the first time Monday June 5th, during the WWDC keynote. Other announcements will include new features coming with iOS 17, a revamped user interface for Apple Watch with watchOS 10, the debut of the 15-inch MacBook Air, and more.