Will Apple unveil mixed-reality headset at June 5 WWDC?
Apple has announced its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) to be held on June 5th where it may be unveiling a new mixed-reality headset at
This highly anticipated product marks the company’s first major release since its smartwatch eight years ago.
The event, which runs until June 9th and will be held both online and in person at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, will reportedly focus on the new headset and its accompanying xrOS operating system, as well as a way for developers to create apps for the device.
The headset is rumored to be called Reality One or Reality Pro, and is expected to be a high-end product costing around $3,000.
Apple hopes to distinguish itself from competitors in the still-nascent mixed-reality market by including many new technologies not seen before in consumer devices, such as eye and hand control, an on-board App Store, and virtual reality-based FaceTime, 3D versions of core Apple apps, and immersive video streaming.
Along with the headset, the conference will also showcase updates to Apple’s iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch operating systems, as well as new software features for Apple TVs, AirPods, and HomePods.
Apple’s mixed-reality headset – what to expect
Apple’s upcoming mixed-reality headset is expected to feature multiple external cameras, allowing users to seamlessly switch between virtual and augmented reality modes.
They will be able to fully immerse themselves in their content or use a dial to toggle back and forth between the virtual world and their physical surroundings.
As other companies have struggled to gain traction with mixed-reality technology, Apple will need to make a compelling case for why its approach is superior.
The WWDC will offer ample opportunities for developers to explore the technology, making it an ideal platform for Apple to showcase its latest innovation to a pro-Apple audience.
The event will be Apple’s first product unveiling of the year, after the company postponed an earlier announcement for the headset. Earlier this year, Apple announced updates to the MacBook Pro and HomePod speaker without a formal on-stage event.
In the coming months, Apple plans to unveil new Mac models, including its first Mac Pro without Intel Corp. processors, and a MacBook Air with a larger screen.
A new revenue stream for Apple
While it may take time for Apple’s mixed-reality headset to gain widespread popularity, it will provide another avenue for the company’s developers to sell their apps and content.
Apple is working on several features to ensure the headset can seamlessly integrate with other products in its ecosystem, such as the Mac and iPhone.
This will incentivize developers to expand their software offerings to the new platform, providing an additional revenue stream for Apple, which typically takes a commission of up to 30% on app sales and subscriptions.
In addition to discussing the headset and its accompanying technology, Apple may use the WWDC conference to lay the foundation for upcoming changes across its operating systems to comply with new regulations such as the Digital Markets Act.
Future versions of iOS 17 are expected to support external app stores and offer greater interoperability with third-party services, signaling Apple’s willingness to adapt to changing market conditions.