Apple’s upcoming AR/VR mixed reality headset is likely going to be unveiled in the Spring, and a new report from Bloomberg seems to reveal some interesting details about what we can expect to see from the headset, such as hand tracking and eye tracking.
The headset is set to start at approximately $3000 and will be likely named the Reality Pro. Bloomberg states that Apple’s goal is to bring something new to the world of VR and AR with its headset.
VR has proven itself to be a challenging venture, but the industry is still growing. Some projections state that it could top $100 billion by the end of the decade—which is an insane figure when you put it into perspective. However, currently, VR is still a newer concept. Meta has lost billions over its inability to get more Oculus Quest headsets in the homes of people.
Apple seems to be planning on having eye- and hand-tracking capabilities for its mixed reality headset. It will also have FaceTime-based videoconferencing and meeting rooms. For this, it may even have full-body 3D avatars.
The headset will also have the ability to show immersive video content and can be an external display for a Mac. It’s set to replicate many functions of iPhones and iPads too.
How Will the Headset Functions Work?
Basically, the Apple mixed reality headset will have external cameras that can analyze your hands and sensors within the headset to read your eyes. This will allow you to control the device by looking at an item on-screen and select it without actually needing to tap anything physical.
In order to tap something for instance, you just need to pinch your thumb and index finger together. This is quite innovative and different compared to other headsets of a similar capacity, since they usually require controllers.
How Does it Mix AR with VR?
AR stands for augmented reality and VR stands for virtual reality. Most headsets do not mix both, but Apple wants to make its Reality Pro include the two functions. It will allow users to see images and content within the goggles using VR and overlay digital content on reality with the AR component.
The headset will also have two ultra-high-resolution displays to handle the VR and several external cameras for the AR functions. Users will be able to switch between VR and AR seamlessly. This is what Apple seems to be expecting to be the highlight of the product, according to Bloomberg.
When Will Apple’s Mixed Reality Headset Release?
As of right now, the exact release date is unknown. Features may change before then and some features that we’re expecting to see might not come at all. However, most are expecting an announcement of the product in the Spring, likely around June. It may then release in late 2023.
Apple is planning on starting slow and is aiming to begin production of the device likely in February, but may launch the headset in the US only to start.
Apple is working on a cheaper version of the headset as well that may release in late 2024 or early 2025.
It’s expecting to sell at least 1 million copies in the first year and it likely will not see profits from the first version, even with its high price-point. It seems like Apple’s holding out on the Reality Pro for the long-run.
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Zainah Yousef
Zainah Yousef is the author of The Fallen Age Saga and specializes in gaming, social media advice, and reviews. She's been writing all her life and she probably won't stop anytime soon.
