Apple VR headset may be coming soon – here’s what we know about it so far

Rumor mills are churning endlessly on Apple’s much-hyped VR headset. According to Yahoo Finance’s latest news on the subject, the VR device may be launching as early as this year.

This corroborates the news from the well-informed Apple leaker Mark Gurman who is sure that 2023 will be the year of “Apple Reality”.

Based on some scattered information, rumors, and leaks, we have compiled all that we know about the rumored VR headset so far.

What will Apple’s mixed reality headset be called?

Trademark filings indicate that the upcoming product range may be named Apple Reality.

The initial mixed reality headset, which will be expensive, may be referred to as Apple Reality Pro, while the subsequent iteration, which will be more affordable, may be named Apple Reality One.

What is the technology behind Apple’s mixed reality headset?

Speculations, rumors, and leaks about Apple’s debut mixed reality headset have been circulating for several years.

As usual, our sources are cited at the conclusion of the piece. It is important to note that the information provided is unverified and should be viewed with skepticism.

Apple could be working on various prototypes, and unknown technical elements may be altered, omitted, or even included. Moreover, the product could be terminated abruptly.

Display & optics

The headset comes equipped with both internal and external displays. Two Sony-manufactured micro-OLED displays, each capable of 4K resolution, are used for the internal screens.

The lenses within the device are automatically adjusted to the user’s IPD by small motors located in the housing. The field of view spans 120 degrees, and corrective lenses may be added if necessary.

Meanwhile, the external display is intended to display the user’s facial expressions (similar to Meta’s research), among other features. The goal is to alleviate any sense of detachment that users may experience while using the device.

Processors

The primary source of power for Apple’s headset comes from two chips. The first is an SoC built on Apple’s M2 processor, codenamed Staten.

The second chip, dubbed Bora, handles the passthrough processing and digital reconstruction of the real-world surroundings.

However, the latency between the physical world and the digital passthrough view remained noticeable.

As a result, Apple developed a third processor specifically to accelerate communication between the two chips.

Camera and sensors

Integrated into the mixed reality headset are over a dozen cameras that record the user’s pupil movements, facial expressions, and even their legs for body tracking.

Eye-tracking technology is employed to produce more lifelike avatars, in addition to a rendering technique called foveated rendering, which reduces the rendering workload by substantially reducing image quality in the peripheral vision.

This technique is also utilized by PlayStation VR 2. Furthermore, iris scanning enables online payments and expedited device login.

The headset is also equipped with built-in LIDAR scanners to scan the surroundings for mixed reality applications.

Head mount and audio

Apple has created two distinct head mounts: one for developers and one for consumers.

The latter boasts built-in speakers and is crafted from a synthetic rubber substance resembling that of the Apple Watch wristbands.

The company will forgo audio ports and instead allow users to connect second-generation AirPods Max or AirPods Pro.

Unlike Bluetooth earbuds from other manufacturers, a chip embedded in these devices ensures that latency remains low.

Battery

The method of placing the battery on the hip rather than integrating it into the case or head mount, with a cable linking it to the headset, was favored by Jony Ive, Apple’s former chief designer.

This approach not only decreases the device’s weight but also enables battery replacements that can last for approximately two hours each.

However, The Information suggests that since Ive is no longer advising Apple, it is unclear whether the company has continued to employ this design.

Design and input

To decrease the size and weight of the device, the headset features aluminum, glass, and carbon fiber construction, which gives it a sleek, lightweight profile that sets it apart from comparable headsets.

The device’s cameras and sensors are discreetly integrated for aesthetic purposes. On the right side, a dial permits users to quickly switch between the virtual and physical world.

Although The Information was unable to confirm which input methods Apple plans to use, the company is reportedly exploring a range of options, from more natural inputs like eye and hand tracking to voice control and a thimble-like wearable.

However, the site suggests that a dedicated gaming controller is unlikely to be available, at least initially.

Operating system and software

Based on trademark applications, Apple is creating its own operating system for the headset, which might be called xrOS.

Experts anticipate that the operating system will be fully incorporated into Apple’s hardware and software ecosystem, providing access to essential iOS functions and Apple’s productivity apps.

Apple perceives VR conferencing with avatars as a potential game-changer, according to reports.

Furthermore, the company is collaborating with Hollywood producers on content and may be considering immersive live streaming of events.

Will Apple’s mixed reality headset work independently?

Whether the battery is integrated into the headset will determine the outcome. As per Apple leaker Mark Gurman, setting up and utilizing the device will most likely not require an iPhone, which is distinct from the initial Apple Watch.

What will Apple’s mixed reality headset look like?

Various sources provide different accounts regarding the headset’s size, shape, and weight.

According to The Information, an advanced prototype from 2020 features a stylish, curved visor, and the site has created a drawing of the device based on images they have seen.

3D product designer Ian Zelbo subsequently produced professional renderings of the headset based on this drawing.

However, it is currently unknown whether the current prototypes and the final product will resemble this design.

What will be the cost of Apple’s mixed reality headset?

The XR headset’s expected cost is estimated to be around $2,000 to $3,000 or even higher, depending on the configuration, owing to the high-quality and costly components, such as the displays.

Apple is said to be developing a less expensive version, tentatively dubbed the Apple Reality One, which may be launched as early as 2024.

When will Apple’s mixed reality headset launch?

The precise date of the mixed reality headset’s launch is known only to Apple.

The device was initially scheduled to be released in 2019, then in 2022, but has been delayed several times in the past year alone.

Nonetheless, Apple leaker Mark Gurman is confident that 2023 will be the year of Apple Reality.

According to his most recent report, the headset may be revealed at WWDC 2023, which is slated to take place in June.