Even with the metaverse taking a backseat as artificial intelligence concepts take center stage, VR and AR proponents still rank as relatively sound and important investments. Look no further than Sony's more recent debut of its PS VR2 platform, which has received loads of praise from industry experts. But Apple, however, through all of its many years of increased innovation, has yet to deliver a similar product, one that really elevates the mold.
Albeit still steeped-in-rumor, the Apple's supposed headset design already sports a wide variety of catchy names, like the Apple Glasses and Apple Reality Pro (the more likely candidate), despite very little information existing on the device outside of hearsay. Reports first gained traction at the tail end of 2020, as insiders suggested Apple was gearing up to debut its mixed reality headset in 2021. No doubt due to logistical conflicts wrought by the pandemic, the official reveal and launch was postponed and still has yet to gain any tangibility.
That is, until now, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who claims that the highly anticipated Apple headset is bound to be debuted during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The event will take place in June, most likely within the first week, as last year's conference took place on the 6th of that month. Gurman's sources claim that the device has been delayed yet again for three months due to software and hardware-related issues.
It's a long time coming, given the amount of hype swirling around this device. The Apple Reality Pro won't likely hit store shelves until late 2023, and may well be carrying with it a rather hefty price tag, like most Apple products tend to do, with most potentials eyeing a $3,000 MSRP. The more likely number will probably sit around $1,000 to $1,500, mirroring counterparts like the Meta Quest Pro.
According to a TF International Securities research note, published by MacRumors over a year ago, the Apple Reality Pro will leverage 3P pancake lenses in tandem with a curved visor, swappable headbands, and dual 4K 4000 by 4000 displays, the latter of which are being supplied by Sony. The headset will also have Apple's high class M2 chip, 16GB of RAM, and external cameras for gesture control, hand-tracking, and potentially even virtual keyboard typing.
Bloomberg's Gruman also noted on Tuesday, February 14th, that Apple was suspending the development of its AR glasses, a separate headset form under the brand. More than likely, this was intended to speed up production on Reality Pro as its potential debut date draws near.
It's clear Apple is realy attempting to push the envelope with its new mixed reality platform. Although the metaverse mayb not be as popular as it once was, VR and AR concepts still prove to be among the most interesting in the tech industry. With Apple's might behind it, the Reality Pro could very well be a major contender in the space, so long as it isn't too costly and sports all the right features.
