Apple's Upcoming Ar/VR Headset: Why the Hype?
Bloomberg has also reported that Apple will soon sell an augmented reality headset. In addition, Apple also stated that it is hastening the development of a VR-compatible gaming system. We should expect its release soon, as Apple gamers and fans are already showing interest in them.
Apple hasn't released anything new since the release of the Apple Watch in 2015. However, the company has been releasing new versions of popular products such as the iPhone and iMac for years. Apple's Augmented Reality (Apple's AR) will be the first new feature that users have anticipated in seven years. The new headset will combine virtual reality and augmented reality to provide users with an authentic landscape and environment to enjoy. Given the anticipation for the Apple headset, it's not surprising that people can't wait for it to be released.
Even though Apple AR is another VR headset on the market, the tech titan may have plans for the product in the future. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple will attempt to persuade iPhone owners to purchase VR headsets within the next ten years.
Although VR headsets are unlikely to replace smartphones, technological advancements in the last decade have made this possibility more likely. The new headset will not require a connection to an iPhone or a laptop.
Features Of The Apple AR
The Apple augmented reality glasses construction is metal and resembles a sleep mask. It includes Apple's best M1 chip. This chip is the company's first ARM-based system designed for Apple products. In addition, the headset will feature Sony's 4K Micro OLED screens, which will provide images and landscapes with breathtaking clarity.
The hardware will also have two separate processors to help with its functions. The device's main processor will function similarly to the M1 chip, while the second processor will manage the headset's sensors.
If Apple Augmented Reality does not launch in 2022, it will not be available until 2023. It appears that Apple had some internal disagreements about its VR headset, gaming consoles, and various AR accessories. As a result, it is possible that Apple may release its augmented reality products in two parts. This means that the headset may be the first to be released, followed by the gaming consoles.
The new Apple product is sure to excite tech enthusiasts all over the world. Apple has not yet decided whether its virtual reality headset will take over cellphones entirely. People who are conversant with modern technology will have to learn new rules due to the new technology.
Because the headset is so versatile, you might be able to use it in everyday circumstances. For example, the headset could include powerful apps similar to those found on the iPhone and iPad. This would allow you to transfer everything you need from your phone to the portable headpiece.
Why The Hype?
This Apple mixed-reality headset's design, function, and features have been a subject of discussion for a considerable amount of time, but the headset's actual specifications remain unknown. This is typically the case with Apple's unannounced products. They are typically introduced to the public during the second quarter of each year.
However, we can reveal something about what we might expect to see. For example, on February 20, 2022, Bloomberg reported that Apple might incorporate its M1 chip and ultra-sharp micro OLED display into the next-generation headset. In any case, the most recent data strongly suggest that Apple is preparing an announcement for the end of the year.
Apple's mixed-reality headset has the codename N301, distinct from Apple's rumoured AR glasses, which have the codename N421. As for the MSRP of the Apple headset, it's likely to cost between $1,000 and $2,000 or more, especially if its chip shortages persist in 2023.
Apple VR headset M1 Release Date
In the case of Apple's first AR/VR headset, it will be a "pricey, niche" option. In addition, Apple aims to sell 180,000 units (alongside the Mac Pro) upon its release in 2022.
Apple recently confirmed the 2022 release date, stating that the information had been seen on order for Yujingguang, the Taiwanese lens manufacturer, to provide high-quality VR lenses to Apple, Meta, and Sony. As a result, we should anticipate that the headsets from the three companies will be available in 2022.
Some people believed that the March 2022 Apple event's tagline, "Peek Performance," was a hint at the company's augmented reality-related plans. However, there was no indication of this. Instead, the event focused on the latest updates for Apple's iPhone SE, iPad Air, and brand-new Mac Studio.
Predictions Concerning Apple VR Headset Release
There have been predictions that the release date for the Apple VR headset M1 would be Late-Q4 2022. This was reaffirmed at the start of January 2022. This puts it ahead of the iPhone 14's initial Q4 launch, suggesting a December release similar to the AirPods Max. However, due to early production issues, the VR headset inventories will be limited until the beginning of 2023, when "significant shipments" of headsets will start to arrive.
This is consistent with an article by DigiTimes in February 2022, which states that Apple's upcoming headset has been undergoing testing in production. The Apple VR 2022 headset will be available for mass production between August and September before hitting the market by the end of the year.
Although Apple initially intended to unveil its headset at WWDC, "development challenges involving overheating, cameras, and software have made it more difficult to stay on schedule,." These issues may have prompted Apple to delay its announcement until the end of 2022 or even the beginning of 2023.
In a separate May 2022 report, there have also been claims that Apple recently demonstrated the AR/VR headset on its computer, indicating that the device is in an advanced stage of development.
Conclusion
Reports have shown that Apple will enter the VR/AR headset market later this year as the key details about its new product remain unknown.
With this in mind, we are confident that Apple will release its long-rumoured AR/VR headset in the latter half of 2022. However, I don't anticipate that it will be available in bulk when it launches.