Apple's AR / VR headset reportedly coming to a high-end device in 2022

Apple's AR / VR headset reportedly coming to a high-end device in 2022
An Apple device that offers augmented reality and virtual reality experiences—a mixed reality headset, if you will—has been rumored for years at this point. The latest leaks about the hardware suggest that it will be a premium kit and could launch in 2022. That's according to the Power On newsletter written by Mark Gurman, who has historically been more right than wrong when it comes to his Apple predictions. There's not much new information here, but based on Gurman's description, it sounds like the headphones will be more towards the higher end of the market. “Apple plans to release its own expensive device with advanced chips, displays, sensors, and avatar-based features next year,” Gurman writes, placing the headset in the context of a similar Facebook device we just heard about. By the way.

Facebook vs. Apple

Facebook, now called Meta, by the way, is considering a successor to the Oculus Quest 2 that will be more expensive and more powerful. The device is official, though details are scant and a 2022 release has been promised. From what Gurman says, the Apple AR/VR/Mixed Reality headset will be similar in terms of functionality and price. The technology required for these helmets is constantly improving and the next year could be significant in terms of new materials entering the market. Facebook/Meta is also reportedly working on a smartwatch, which is another area Apple is seriously interested in. If the leaks are correct, it will feature a front-facing camera, which should help it set itself apart from the competition. .

Analysis: what is Apple building again?

Google Glass ported.

Google glasses. (Image credit: Avenir) Keeping track of Apple's potential AR/VR device hasn't been easy. What we do know for sure is that Apple boss Tim Cook is very committed to augmented reality and quickly made sure that augmented reality capabilities were built into devices like the iPhone and iPhone. ”ipad. Nothing prevents a headset from combining both virtual reality (completely closed digital worlds) and augmented reality (digital elements placed in the real world). The official term is mixed reality, though not everyone uses it to refer to the same technology, which confuses the water a bit. From what we know so far, it looks like there's a more powerful Apple virtual reality headset out there, as well as a pair of Apple glasses that specialize in augmented reality. It's possible, though unlikely, that the rumors surrounding these devices actually refer to the same hardware with AR and VR functionality. The most likely scenario is that Apple gives us a device like the Oculus Quest 2 for virtual reality and a device like Google Glass for AR. Nothing is official as of yet, but we wouldn't be surprised if Apple released a dedicated AR/VR headset sometime in 2022. Via 9to5Mac