Technology businesses have investigated multiple ways to include virtual and augmented reality experiences and devices in everyday life for almost twenty years. Apple is not an exception, and it has also been exploring virtual (VR) and augmented (AR) reality to implement it into iOS devices. Over the last several years, Apple has acquired several AR and VR companies as it boosts its work in the AR/VR industry. For some time, these movements had confused the public over what was coming from Apple. Recently, Apple has confirmed the rumours that an AR or VR headset will be released, followed by AR glasses.
Reliable sources like Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicated that the headset’s launch date will probably be in 2023, following the glasses in 2024 or 2025.
The headset will probably look similar to other headsets on the market, like the Meta Oculus Quest. However, it will supposedly have a sleeker, lighter design to ensure comfort. Rumour has it that Apple is building more than a dozen cameras into the headset to track gestures and hand movements, a control method, and eye tracking. In this sense, the Apple headset will include multiple 3D-sensing modules for detecting objects and hand gestures. It supports voice control, spatial direction, expression, and skin detection. The headset should be able to provide an immersive video and audio experience. Even though Apple’s focus right now is on VR with limited AR capabilities, it has deeper ambitions regarding augmented reality. It has been said that the headset content in the App Store will focus on gaming, streaming, and video conference.
Apple’s possible mixed-reality device
One of the most expected confirmations from Apple is about the operating system and the possibility of a new one that will run as «rOS», specifically designed for the headset. Apple has filed trademarks for «realityOS», submitted in December 2021, and feature foreign filing deadlines of June 8, 2022. Still, that date is a legal requirement and unrelated to WWDC.
Regarding design, rumours say it will look similar to other VR headsets on the market. Based on these headset descriptions, designer Ian Zelbo made renders that ascribe to the tales of a «sleek, curved visor attached to the face by a mesh material and swappable headbands». Some details have been revealed, and The Information was able to see a prototype, so it is possible to have an idea of what to expect.
This Apple VR headset will probably be able to respond to the wearer’s eye movements and hand gestures. The more than a dozen optical cameras are expected to enable the mapping of the environment, surfaces, edges, and dimensions of rooms with accuracy as also projecting visual experiences.
All in all, even though most of the public is expecting the release of this new Apple product, it is important to note that it could be priced at over $2,000 as it sells cutting-edge technology.
A drawing by The Information of Apple’s possible mixed-reality device
0 comentarios