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Is there an Apple AR/VR headset? Well, Apple has been experimenting with virtual and augmented reality technologies for almost 20 years.
However, Apple’s experimentation is becoming more serious because of the explosive growth of these technologies following the release of ARKit.
The company has reportedly made significant gains and is almost ready to release a virtual reality kit that will compete with the finest. That means potential competition for the PSVR 2 or Oculus Quest 2.
Apple AR/VR Headset release date and price
Due to the absence of official information, numerous guesses have been made regarding the Apple VR/AR headset. However, Ming-Chi Kuo stands out as the most pertinent analyst, and trustworthy Apple oracle.
He has predicted that Apple will release the VR/AR headset in January 2023, with a second version (along with a less expensive variant) allegedly following in 2025.
Kuo describes Apple as “a game-changer for the headset industry” in his article, which examines various aspects of the VR headset market.
According to reports, Apple’s rumored VR headset could cost as much as $3,000. However, Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that the final cost should be between $2,000 and $2,500.
So, until Apple makes an official announcement, you should take the reports with a grain of salt. As with all unverified info, they could be completely wrong about the price and the features.
Apple AR/VR headset features and specifications
Tracking cameras
Mixed reality is the Apple headset’s primary feature. Reports suggest that the headgear will have external cameras, which Apple is now using to test functions like hand-tracking and gesture control. This could pave the way for virtual keyboards to type in the air.
Furthermore, it has been reported that the headset would feature around 12 tracking cameras that will send information to two 8K displays located directly in front of the user’s eyes.
RAM and Processor
The chip in Apple’s virtual reality headset will appear more potent than M1 Mac CPU. The headgear is expected to have 16GB of RAM and the new M2 chip. Although it may not be the most powerful processor in the Apple Silicon lineup, it does provide an excellent blend of power and energy efficiency.
Moreover, a more recent report from Kuo claims the headgear would include two processors, indicating Apple won’t be cutting corners about power.
Kuo continues by saying, “the lower-end processor will be responsible for sensor-related computation, while the higher-end processor will have the equivalent computing capacity to the M1 for Mac.”
Gestures
Other anticipated features, like finger movements, may be included. In addition, recent Apple filings (as reported by Techradar) suggest the company plans to merge wearables with Apple Glasses and its VR/AR mixed reality headset.
These innovations would enable users to make finger gestures using wearables like two Apple Watches and a VR glove. Users may be able to do various actions with these gestures, such as scrolling across pages.
Apple has been developing smart rings that the headset can use to track finger and hand movements, according to a patent found by Apple Insider. Apple could use this to enhance the capability of the external cameras when used with a virtual reality or mixed reality headset.
The patent also mentions the ability to recognize objects the user is holding. Accordingly, the headset will adjust its functionality based on what it perceives you want to do. Therefore, holding an Apple Pencil will still recognize that you prefer to write by hand than to type.
Apple AR/VR Headset, a myth or reality?
Apple seems to be working on at least two augmented reality projects. The first is a headset that will be available in 2023, and the second is a more stylish pair of glasses.
It was unclear what would be released when because of the two initiatives, but it is now obvious that an AR/VR (or mixed reality) headset will be released first, followed by augmented reality glasses.
Are the VR/AR headsets worth the price? Unfortunately, making decisions based on rumors is difficult because there are no official comments about the pricing or specifications.
However, if the rumored price tag of $2500 is correct, Apple should offer some ground-breaking technology. Otherwise, there are superior alternatives that will accomplish the same task for far less.