Apple's Mixed-Reality Headset is Expected to Challenge the Metaverse

Apple is expected to unveil its new mixed-reality headset, posing a challenge to Meta, the owner of Facebook, in a market that has yet to reach its full potential at the highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), according to a report by AFP.

While Apple has kept quiet about the reports, speculations are rife that the tech giant will introduce a headset catering to augmented and virtual reality experiences, making it the company's most significant product launch since the Apple Watch in 2015.

Reality Pro

The potential release of Apple's "Reality Pro" headset, priced at approximately $3,000, is generating high expectations among analysts and investors.

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives predicts that Apple will showcase the hardware and custom-made software designed for the headset, offering a range of applications and use cases.

In addition to the headset, Apple CEO Tim Cook is anticipated to discuss the company's artificial intelligence strategy. This topic has gained significant attention since the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT in 2022.

The Cupertino-based company has been working on the development of the headset for several years, with a focus on gaming, streaming video, conferencing, and health and fitness functionalities.

Reports suggest that the headset will integrate seamlessly with other Apple devices, aligning with the company's approach of leveraging premium hardware to foster customer loyalty and engagement with its ecosystem.

Although Apple had initially aimed for a sleek, designer glasses-like product, Insider Intelligence principal analyst Yory Wurmser notes that the released version will be bulkier.

Apple's goal is to distribute the headset to early adopters and developers, who will contribute to developing a mixed-reality ecosystem centered around Apple's software.

Bloomberg's report described the headset as a technologically advanced pair of ski goggles that can protect the wearer's eyes and facial expressions onto an external screen, enhancing the immersive experience.

Apple is reportedly considering the inclusion of health advisories for its upcoming AR/VR headset, as per insights from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg.

These advisories would aim to inform individuals with specific health conditions about the potential risks associated with using the device, advising them against purchasing or using it.

The concerns revolve around the potential impact of AR and VR experiences on their well-being.

Quest 3 VR Headgear

Meanwhile, just days before Apple's event, Meta unveiled its upcoming Quest 3 virtual reality headgear. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, highlighted the improved performance and sleek design of the Quest 3, set to launch later this year at a starting price of $500.

Although Meta has been a dominant player in the VR market with its affordable Quest devices, its foray into the metaverse has encountered setbacks.

Despite being at the forefront of the emerging sector, Meta has faced challenges and recently underwent significant restructuring, laying off tens of thousands of employees and refocusing on its core social media business.

Apple's entry into the mixed-reality headset market raises expectations and intensifies the competition between Tim Cook and Mark Zuckerberg.

As the tech giants vie for dominance in the evolving landscape of augmented and virtual reality, the impact of their rivalry is expected to shape the future of these transformative technologies.