Rumor has it that the Apple AR/VR headset has just reached a major milestone, bringing it closer to an official launch. A prototype was shown to Apple investors last week, according to a new report.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said the demonstration indicates “the development of the device has reached an advanced stage.” Gurman’s sources said the headset’s software is being worked on and will be called rOS – r for “reality.”
Speculation about an Apple headset started several years ago, but the reports increased from last year. Previous information pointed to a 2022 or 2023 debut, although delays seemed inevitable.
If investors actually witnessed a functional prototype, it looks like the mixed reality headset could be viable for sale late this year or early next year. Although there is no way to know if the demo unit was operational or just a design dummy.
As we approach WWDC, we can anticipate AR-related announcements during the keynote. But we don’t think Apple would reveal the software for an entirely new category of hardware for the company first. It would probably start both the device and the operating system at the same time.
What we know about the Apple headset
According to Bloomberg reports, the Apple AR/VR headset is being worked on by a team of approximately 2,000 employees. It’s powered by a “variant of the M1 chip” found in the MacBook Air M1 and MacBook Pro M1, and the headset also has ultra-high-resolution displays.
Apple has apparently faced a number of challenges during development, including overheating and refining the device’s built-in cameras. This, along with some high-profile departures, led to several delays along the way.
The new headset would rival Meta’s Project Cambria headset, which is expected to cost over $800. Apple’s headset could cost “more than $2,000”.
Mixed signals on Apple AR/VR headset launch timing
On Thursday, we reported that the launch of Apple’s VR/AR headset could be a long way off, according to insights from The Information. The Information reportedly spoke to 10 sources knowledgeable about Apple’s headset journey, who say multiple factors have slowed the project’s progress. Competing for resources shared by Apple’s other hardware division has apparently proved challenging, as has agreeing on a design.
The information provided makes it seem like the headset isn’t ready for paying customers yet, but there are other rumors about the launch of the Apple AR/VR headsets to consider. Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu said the headset could be unveiled next year, while Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said Apple could announce it this year and launch sometime in 2023. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has remained determined to come out in 2023.
If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Apple won’t launch a headset until it works as it should and integrates with other Apple devices as the company’s customers have come to expect. Even with the best VR headsets like the old Meta Quest 2 news at this point, Apple probably cares more about it being good than getting it into stores.
Apple’s VR/AR headset will be one of the company’s biggest announcements ever. Yes, even with the iPhone 14 on the way, because that would be an entirely new product category for Apple.
That said, don’t expect to see a headset at WWDC 2022, scheduled for June 6. That said, the software-focused event could provide some clues about AR and VR features in iOS 16.
#Apple #ARVR #headset #closer #launch #heres #details
Comments
Post a Comment