Since the launch of the HomePod in 2018, Apple hasn’t released a new product category, and there hasn’t been a new wearable since the Apple Watch debuted in 2015. That will change in the not-too-distant future, as Apple’s augmented reality/virtual reality headset is nearing completion and is expected to be released in 2023.
Let’s talk about the features of the device:
- Overall Design – Apple’s virtual reality headset will look similar to the Oculus Quest, with a curved visor that glides over the eyes and a comfy mesh base that sits against the face. The bill will cover the eyes and shut out a peripheral vision to prevent light leaks.
- Headband – A swappable, adjustable headband, possibly made of the same material as the Apple Watch Sport band, will keep the headset in place.
- Weight – According to Apple, the final version of the headset is expected to weigh between 100 and 200 grammes. That would be significantly more lightweight and comfy than the Oculus Quest 2, which weighs 503 grammes. Apple may not get the headset’s weight as low as its aim, as prototypes weigh around 300 grammes.
- Spatial Audio – For a surround sound experience, one of the headbands Apple is evaluating includes spatial audio technology.
- Display – Apple’s AR/VR headset is rumoured to use two Sony-supplied high-resolution 4K micro OLED screens with a pixel density of up to 3,000 pixels per inch for a high-quality viewing experience.
- Cameras – The headset will have over a dozen optical cameras to track hand movements, map the environment with eye-tracking, present visual experiences, and more.
- Control Methods – Apple may enable a variety of input techniques, such as hand gestures, eye tracking and iris recognition, as well as a finger-worn control device. It will also be able to identify skin and track facial expressions.
- Chips – To supply the computing power that Apple desires, two Mac-level Apple silicon chips are expected to be employed in the AR/VR headset. The headset is believed to be a stand-alone device that does not rely on the iPhone or Mac computing power.
- RealityOS – Apple is reportedly working on a new operating system for the headset that will be called “reality.” reality references were discovered in Apple’s source code just this week.
- App Store – The AR/VR headset will have its own App Store in addition to a new operating system. Apple will concentrate on gaming, video conferencing, and streaming video content.
- Media Content – Apple may be seeking to collaborate with media partners to generate content viewed in virtual reality.
- VR FaceTime – Apple is reported to be working on a virtual reality version of FaceTime with Animojis and other 3D capabilities.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the headset will cost more than $2,000, and The Information predicts it will cost around $3,000.
Apple has repeatedly pushed back the intended release date of the AR/VR headset as it works out development concerns. Several speculations suggested that the headset might be unveiled at Apple’s 2022 WWDC presentation, while Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently stated that the headset could be delayed until 2023.
At this point, it appears like the headset will not be released until 2023, while there is still a chance that it may be announced in 2022 to give developers time to design programmes for the gadget. Apple is rumoured to be planning a launch for the 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference.