Apple VR Headset Price, Features, Release Date | Everything We Know
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Apple’s constantly working on new projects to deliver to its fans every year – whether it’s refreshes to old products or completely new tech that we never expected. And this time, Apple might be working on something big that’s going to change the way we see and use virtual and augmented reality.
Even though there is nothing but rumors at this point, Apple might be working on a different type of product: a headset that’ll work with both AR and VR technology.
We already know a few things about this headset, and we might even see it as soon as 2022. Here’s everything you should be aware of.
What Is the Apple AR/VR Headset?
Rumor has it that Apple’s working on a new headset that will focus mainly on virtual reality and augmented reality. We mostly refer to it as Apple’s VR headset, albeit there have been some rumors that it might be called “Apple View.” Regardless of the names, Apple will probably figure out a better, more stylish name as it always does.
Apple VR Headset vs. Apple Glass
Do you remember the Apple Glass? It’s been a while since we’ve heard some news or rumors about it, but it’s probably because Apple’s VR headset is in everyone’s minds.
In case you don’t remember, Apple Glass is a rumored product that’s meant to look and feel like a regular pair of glasses, but they’ll use AR technology to let you access and view information without using your iPhone.
It’s also possible that you’d be able to control the glasses with the help of Siri and even hand gestures. With that said, that device will have to wait for now.
According to the rumors, the headset and Apple Glass are completely different products. Apple will reportedly launch its VR headset first, and it’s planning to launch Apple Glass a few years later.
What Will Apple’s VR Headset Look Like?
The design of the Apple headset is rumored to be pretty similar to what the best VR headsets look like right now. According to some renders and leaks, the headset will use a lot of lightweight materials to let the user freely move their head and wear it for longer periods of time without getting tired.
It’s also said to have a sleek visor that’s attached to removable headbands that you’ll be able to swap around. Because of this, it’s possible that you’ll be able to change the headband colors and customize it however you’d like, but that’s just speculation at this point.
Who Is Apple’s VR Headset For?
There have been a lot of rumors that the Apple headset might not be for everyone. Apple may target its upcoming headset for developers, or at least that was the first rumor we heard.
Afterward, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg shared that Apple will focus mostly on gaming, media consumption, and communication in one of his newsletters. Based on this information, it seems this product will still be targetting regular users.
We will still have to wait and see the actual product to make sure of it. Whatever the target audience is, don’t expect it to be cheap, but more on that in a moment.
What Features Will the VR Headset Bring?
Some rumors say the headset will come with up to three different displays for the user’s eyes, while others claim it’ll only feature two displays. Either way, the displays might support either 4K or even 8K resolution, and Apple might offer two different models with different resolutions.
Some reports say Apple will add up to 12 different tracking cameras on the headset, alongside a LiDAR sensor that’ll help with augmented reality.
If you don’t remember, the LiDAR sensor is a hardware feature Apple used on the iPad Pro and iPhone 13 Pro to make augmented reality more accurate. Rumors said Apple used LiDAR on these devices as a way to test AR before launching it on its headset, albeit we can’t confirm if that’s actually true.
The Apple headset is also expected to use an Apple Silicon chip, which is pretty much a given at this point. However, we don’t know which Apple Silicon chip apple will use.
We might see the new headset rock the rumored M2 processor, and there’s even the possibility that Apple will also offer a lower-end headset with an M1 Ultra chip inside.
Another rumor is that the headset will have its own separate Reality Operating System, which could be called “rOS” or “realityOS.” This will open the door for the headset to have its own App Store with exclusive apps and games.
What’s the Price Going to Be?
This is the part where we hope the rumors are completely wrong. But if they’re right, the Apple VR headset won’t be a product for everyone.
There have been a lot of speculation about the headset’s price, with some rumors saying that it’ll cost somewhere around $3,000. Gurman said that Apple would price it at around $2,000, while Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known Apple analyst, has claimed the headset’s price will be around $1,000.
So the price is still pretty much a mystery. However, they all agree on the fact that this VR headset won’t be as budget-friendly as most of us would want. So you better start saving up some money before its launch. But when is that exactly?
Apple VR Headset Release Date
The first rumors said that Apple would introduce the new Apple headset during this year’s WWDC, but it seems like that’s not part of the plan anymore. If everything goes according to plan, we might see Apple’s VR headset around the end of 2022.
With that said, Apple’s had a few development issues with the headset. And if they continue, the company might be forced to delay its entire production for a little longer. So if that happens, we should expect to see the Apple VR headset by 2023. So let’s cross our fingers and hope there aren’t any more delays.
Will You Get Apple’s VR Headset?
Remember that everything mentioned previously is just rumors and speculations at this point, so take it with a grain of salt. With that said, if at least some of the rumors are true, Apple might be looking to change the way we use virtual and augmented reality in our daily lives.
One thing’s for sure, though, it won’t be an affordable product, so you might want to try some other VR headsets alternatives to get you started in the virtual reality world before Apple makes the big reveal.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
