Apple to ship a mixed VR headset in 2023, but it might not be ready

Apple’s mixed reality headset has been mentioned in the headlines numerous times, but the eagerly anticipated product has not yet been released. This may soon change, as Apple is anticipated to present the fruit of years of research and development on the AR/VR headset at the Worldwide Developers Conference(WWDC) this summer.

For ten years, practically all of Apple’s decisions were made by Steve Jobs and the design team. Now, under Tim Cook, who succeeded Steven Jobs as Apple’s CEO in the summer of 2011, operations have gained more authority and visibility inside the senior ranks.

According to sources from the Financial Times, Apple’s operations staff has shown support for the launch of the eagerly anticipated mixed reality headset, which could initially resemble bulky ski goggles. But, Apple’s renowned industrial design team has reportedly been against the rollout, urging the company to postpone it until lighter headsets become available, which could be years from now. 

According to two unnamed Financial Times insiders, Tim Cook and COO Jeff Williams ultimately decided to launch it at WWDC this summer despite the design team’s objections. Apple is reportedly expecting to sell only one million headsets in the first year, with sales gradually rising as the technology develops, similar to how the initial iPhone and the first three iPod models both sold moderately until their successors started to take off.

What to expect from Apple’s Mixed VR headset?

The anticipated Reality One or Reality Pro AR/VR headset from Apple could be powered by the Apple M2 SoC. The headset might have two 4K tiny OLED screens, iris scanning capabilities for payments, and a tonne more features to compete with products like Meta’s Quest Pro and even the recently released HTC Vive XR Elite. 

The gadget is expected to have up to 15 cameras, spatial audio, 3D audio, and head-tracking capability. Upon debut, the mixed reality headgear will probably have a small selection of games and apps, which will be updated over time. The device’s battery life, on the other hand, is predicted to be limited—it will only be able to operate for roughly 2 hours every session.

The device will reportedly cost a staggering $3,000, making it a high-end gadget that will only be appealing to a limited number of individuals. When compared to the Meta Quest Pro, which cost $1,000 after a $500 price cut in early March, Apple’s next headset would be three times as expensive.

Header: REUTERS/Stephen Lam