Apple's AR/VR headset is nearly here

By: Michael Korgs | 20.05.2022, 18:47
Apple's AR/VR headset is nearly here Apple Mixed Reality Concept

Apple has been working on a mixed-reality headset for some time now, and it looks like the company is finally nearing completion. According to a new report, Apple has already showcased the device to its board members. This is a strong indication that the product is almost ready for launch. Exciting times ahead for fans.

Apple's mixed-reality headset is coming

Apple's AR/VR headset is nearly here-2 Apple Mixed Reality Concept

Apple's long-rumored mixed-reality headset is finally starting to take shape, according to a new report from Mark Gurman and Bloomberg. The company is said to have showcased a version of the headset to its board of directors last week, and is said to be ramping up development of the accompanying operating system, realityOS (dubbed 'rOS' internally). Apple targeted an official debut at next month’s WWDC 2022. But difficulties on the hardware side, particularly concerning overheating, are believed to have delayed the announcement. Long before that, the company was originally targeting a debut in 2019 with a release the following year. However, delays pushed back those plans and it remains to be seen if Apple will be able to meet its latest targets. Despite the challenges, it’s clear that Apple is making progress on its long-awaited AR headset and we could see it sooner than many had expected.

Apple is now expected to offer an official glimpse at its mixed-reality headset either in September alongside the iPhone 14 or at an event in early 2023. The mixed-reality headset will mark the first time Apple enters an entirely new product category since the Apple Watch was announced in September 2014. It also marks the first major new product since AirPods arrived in 2016. The headset is said to boast a high-resolution display and advanced camera system that will enable users to see virtual objects in the real world. In addition, the headset is rumored to feature built-in speakers and a powerful processor that will enable it to run complex AR applications. With its entry into the mixed-reality space, Apple is positioning itself to be a major player in the next wave of computing.

What to expect from Apple's new headset

Apple's AR/VR headset is nearly here-3 Apple Mixed Reality Concept

The mixed-reality headset is said to boast a high-resolution OLED displays and advanced camera system that will enable users to see virtual objects in the real world. In addition, the headset is rumored to feature built-in speakers, eye-tracking capabilities, hand gesture support and a powerful processor that will enable it to run complex AR applications. With its entry into the mixed-reality space, Apple is positioning itself to be a major player in the next wave of computing.

The upcoming Apple headset is said to be one of the most anticipated VR devices in recent years. One of its key selling points is its support for both VR and AR content. The device is said to come with an array of up to 15 cameras that will enable AR experiences. In addition, the headset will also feature spatial audio support, which will add another layer of immersion for users. With these features, the Apple headset is poised to give users a truly immersive experience that will rival that of other high-end VR headsets on the market.

While the exact pricing of the headset is still unknown, it is rumored to be in the range of $3,000-$3,000. This is significantly more expensive than other VR headsets on the market, but it is still cheaper than some of the high-end AR headsets that are currently available. Given the features and price point, the Apple headset is likely to be targeted at professional users and developers who are willing to pay a premium for a truly immersive mixed-reality experience.

Apple is preparing to enter AR/VR market

According to a new report from Counterpoint Research, Meta's Quest 2 VR headset has become the first to reach 10 million in lifetime sales. This is a significant milestone for the VR headset market, which is still in its early days. While the number of Quest 2 sales pales in comparison to the number of smartphones and smartwatches shipped each year, it does represent significant progress for the segment. With major players like Sony's PlayStation, HTC Vive, and Oculus all entering the market, VR headsets are slowly becoming more mainstream. And with Apple's power to sway consumers, the company's entry into the VR headset market over the coming year could be the push that the segment needs to reach mass adoption.