Kuo: Apple AR headset with "Mac-like" processor coming next year
Apple's first AR headset will launch in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to analyst Ming-chi Kuo's policy brief published by MacRumors and 9to5Mac. Kuo predicted back in March that the headset would be released sometime next year, and now he has also provided more technical details on the device.
According to Kuo, the headset will have two processors: one with "the same level of processing power as the M1," and one lower-end chip to handle input from various sensors. For example, Kuo says the headset has "at least 6-8 optical modules to simultaneously provide continuous video vision through AR services." The headset is also said to feature two 4K OLED micro-displays from Sony.
Among the distinguishing factors, Kuo cites "the computing power of the headset at the Mac level", its ability to work without tethering to iOS devices, and its wide range of applications. Various reports on the device seriously disagree as to whether it will be completely independent or still depend on the iPhone or a separate processing unit for streaming content.
However, Kuo seems convinced that it will be a standalone platform: “If the AR headset is only marketed as an accessory for the Mac or iPhone, it will not help the product grow. An AR headset that works on its own means it will have its own ecosystem and it will provide the most complete and flexible user experience. "
Well, if the analyst is right, then in 10 years such a device may well replace the iPhone. And although today such a scenario looks fantastic, let us remember that the first iPhone model without a stylus and buttons seemed heresy to a noticeable number of people, because these smartphones did not know how to "throw off an empetrician on bluetooth".
Illustrations: 9to5mac