What should you anticipate from Apple's soon-to-be-released mixed reality headset?

Apple has long been invested in creating a virtual reality headset, and Bloomberg reports that the company has just showcased an advanced stage of its mixed reality device to its board, sparking various speculations about its features. reported As a mixed reality gadget, this device promises to deliver both augmented reality and virtual reality experiences through a single headset.

It's important to distinguish this Apple AR/VR headset from another upcoming product designed for augmented reality, which will resemble eyeglasses with transparent lenses for overlaying virtual images onto the real world. That device is slated for an announcement further down the line. In contrast, the mixed reality headset will completely cover the user's field of vision, utilizing internal displays to create a fully immersive environment.

Referring to internal documents, the headset is anticipated to feature a stylish, curved visor that attaches to the user's face through a breathable mesh material, accompanied by interchangeable headbands. Concept artist Ian Zelbo has even visualized what this might look like based on the designs from the leaks, dubbing it the \"Apple View,\" even though it hasn’t received an official title.

The AR/VR headset

According to an early 2021 report from The Information These bands are expected to be adjustable for comfort, with one featuring spatial audio similar to that found in AirPods Pro for an enveloping sound experience. Another band may include a larger battery to prolong usage time while on the move. mockup renders The headset is set to incorporate over a dozen cameras, allowing it to track hand movements and provide a view of the external environment. This multi-camera setup is crucial for its passthrough functionality, enabling users to see real-world surroundings alongside virtual elements for a true mixed reality experience.

Reports suggest that the headset will be equipped with two ultra-high-resolution 8K displays and dual cameras for sophisticated eye-tracking technology. Additionally, it will include built-in LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, using lasers to measure distances—technology already utilized in both models of the iPhone 12 Pro. This will enable the headset to accurately measure room dimensions and position virtual objects realistically on surfaces like tables and walls.

Display analyst Ross Young recently indicated that instead of the usual two screens (one for each eye), the headset might incorporate three. According to his findings, it would feature two 4K OLED displays along with one AMOLED panel— a choice that is rather uncommon in VR headsets due to the standard resolution issues associated with AMOLED screens, anticipated here for peripheral vision.

With the proposed three-screen layout, the Apple headset could implement foveated rendering, which leverages eye-tracking to generate crystal-clear visuals where the user focuses, while decreasing resolution elsewhere. This approach aims to cut down on the processing demands by avoiding maximum resolution rendering across the entire field of view.

A more recent research report According to reports, Apple is also developing an 'adaptive display' that adjusts according to ambient light and the user's eye movements. This would allow for a smoother transition between AR and VR environments and prevent visual discomfort when users switch modes or when the headset is removed.

While it appears there won't be enough space for those who wear prescription glasses to use this headset comfortably, earlier studies indicated that Apple had created a system that allows for the insertion of custom prescription lenses into the device.

However, it's still unclear whether these innovations will be included in the headset's first release. patent filing For controllers, Apple is reportedly designing a 'thimble-like' device that fits on the user's fingers and includes haptic feedback. This concept resembles a patent application that describes a similar tool, equipped with sensors to monitor finger movements effectively. This will not only help the headset detect taps more efficiently, but it will also enable users to 'feel' their interactions with virtual objects through force feedback.

Additionally, Apple holds a patent for a ring accessory, loosely referred to as the Apple Ring, which was also mentioned in reports. This ring would assist in tracking finger positions, and could detect nearby movements. For example, it could recognize when the user picks up an Apple Pencil and intends to write, translating their handwriting into VR environments seamlessly. Bloomberg Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that the headset is expected to incorporate two '3P Pancake lenses' that reflect light from the display to the lenses, facilitating a more compact and lightweight design. Some prototypes were noted to weigh around this range, Kuo remarked, making them significantly lighter than the Meta Quest 2’s 503 grams. The second iteration aims to be even more lightweight.

According to Kuo, this device will include dual processors akin to the M1 chip used in Macs, with one processor providing high-end computing power on par with the M1 for Macs, while the other handles sensor-related computations.

What to expect in controllers

To provide sufficient power for these processors, Kuo has suggested a 96W adapter may be included in the package. Patently Apple What will be the price and release date?

Current speculation regarding the price of Apple’s upcoming VR and mixed reality headset varies, but it’s poised to be quite expensive. The Information reported it could reach up to $3,000. Patently Apple Such a price tag would place it on the same level as Microsoft’s Hololens 2, which retails for $3,500. This could significantly limit the headset's target market to enterprises, a departure from Apple's typical consumer-oriented approach.

As for optics, MacRumors Other predictions suggest a somewhat lower price, such as analyst Kuo's assertion that it may retail around $1,000. This would align it more closely with the market of high-end iPhones and the Valve Index VR headset. 300 and 400 grams Apple's initial plans were to unveil the headset back in 2019, with a launch projected for 2020, but various delays have pushed the timeline to where we find ourselves now. The latest reports from Bloomberg hinted at a late 2022 announcement, with the actual product possibly available to consumers in 2023.

Also, according Apple has filed a patent for an autonomous vehicle equipped with integrated VR functionality.

Meta is set to release its Project Cambria VR headset later this year.

NVIDIA has showcased ultra-thin holographic VR glasses featuring a wide 120° field-of-view.

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