Virtual reality has been in the pipeline for a decade. Some VR devices have offered consumers a limited way to immerse themselves in the metaverse. But nobody has pulled it off.
The very good news is- Apple reportedly is planning to enter the virtual world market. We have heard rumors that Apple is working on AR and virtual reality.
Whenever any Apple executive was asked about the Mixed Reality headset, they just responded nothing. Whatever Apple does, it certainly likes to keep it a secret.
Reports say that they have arranged for their executive team to lead AR and VR efforts. Dan Rico, the former vice president of hardware manufacturing, is said to be heading up their VR headset.
A lot of patents also confirm Apple’s work in this area. It includes a real-time obstacle detection system for VR headsets and individual finger tracking.
Besides, a gesture control system that works as a controller will be developed in the mixed reality headset.
What is Mixed Reality?
If you are wondering how mixed reality differs from virtual and augmented reality, they are all the same family. Ideology is derived from both perspectives to create the right blend to immerse you in the metaverse.
Virtual reality revolves around creating a computer-generated world that mimics real-life characteristics. With the VR headset, you are transported to another dimension from the comfort of your home.
On the other hand, Augmented Reality derives inspiration from the existing world to create an enhanced version with interacting graphics laid over real life.
By combining the two, you get Mixed Reality, which is ideal for both the virtual and physical worlds. That means the Apple VR headset should have the most ideal combination of AR and VR capabilities.
Mixed reality glasses offer a unique experience with more potential than their predecessors. You will get sharper visuals, better quality, and a goosebump-inducing encounter.
What is Apple’s VR headset actually meant to be?
Reliable sources with access to internal documents report that Apple is currently working on AR and VR products.
One is Apple Glass, which is in a very early stage of development. Even the early stages of Apple’s VR headset. Remember this is only an augmented reality product.
Another one is the VR headset which is expected to be released in 2023.
If we want to know about what Apple’s mixed reality headset is really designed to be like, the following features are enough.
The Features
We have been told that the Apple VR headset will actually be all in one. Ming-Ching Kuo reckons that this headset is going to be similar in the way of design to Facebook’s Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.
But the differences are- it will be even sleeker than Oculus Quest 2. Fabric and lightweight materials will also be used to ensure it is more comfortable.
One leading theory is that the swappable headband will feature spatial audio technology. As such, customers are likely to have a sonic experience.
Display
The existing VR headset has limitations regarding its display. But In terms of screen, the headset will reportedly incorporate two high resolution 8K screens.
The 8K screen of the headset will be about an inch or two from our eyes.
Rumors also said that there will be eye tracking built into the headset. The two high-resolution displays will be able to read users’ small types of faces.
Additionally, users can see other people standing in front of them and behind the real object as well.
On the other hand, The Elect also claims that the headset will actually have two OLED displays. The resolution of the screen will be 3000 pixels per inch. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 pro have 460 pixels per inch.
So this is six times the amount of pixels per inch.
The Exterior Tracking Camera
In an interview, Ming-Ching Kuo (analyst and supply chain of
Apple Inc.) said that the headset will have 15 optical cameras. This will be combined with LiDar sensors. If these features are truly exposed, it would be class-leading in accuracy.
As you are aware, LiDAR sensors help to measure the distance between objects in the real world.
Eight of those cameras will be used to offer an image transmissive AR experience by capturing surroundings. A further six will reportedly serve as innovative biometric systems to monitor eye movements and expressions.
And the final camera apparently scans the environment around the header immediately.
So this mixed reality headset will be able to map surfaces, edges, and dimensions of rooms.
To operate the headset there has been a rumor that it would have been tethered to your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
The Chipset and RAM
We have come to know through Mark Gurman, the tech reporter for Bloomberg, that a brand-new and powerful engine will be paired to Apple’s VR headset.
Bloomberg reported that the chip inside the device will be even more powerful than the M1 chipset. It could be the successor of the M1 chipset.
Besides, up to 16 GB of RAM will also be paired with the Mixed Reality headset.
Weight
Bloomberg reports that the weight of the Apple AR headset could range between 200 grams and 300 grams. However, it is expected the final production version will tip the scales at a much leaner 100 to 200 grams.
Release Date
The most recent updates suggest that the headset is in the latter stages of development. Apple has not confirmed the exact release date of their mixed reality headset.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, in an interview with Chinese media, had given the clearest hints about it.
But according to Bloomberg, Apple showed its mixed reality headset to the Apple Board and they have been planning to release it at the beginning of 2023.
The Price
For some popular VR headsets like Oculus Quest 2, when they were first released, the price was around 300 to 400 dollars. But it looks like more for Apple’s Mixed Reality headset.
Some media reports like “The Information” and Bloomberg reported that the headset price will be around $3000 to $3500.
But Ming-Ching Kuo has confirmed that the final price should be between $1000 and $2000.
Is The Apple VR Headset For Gaming?
Some rumors claim that the Apple VR headset will not be able to handle gaming.
But according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Ming-Ching Kuo, the device overall will have a focus on gaming, media, and communication. So for this feature, an app store must be called “RealityOS”. However, it has been clarified that Apple’s VR headset will be independent.
