

MICROSOFT MIX FOR MAC PRO
If this can be implemented, Kuo expects users will be able to use it for a "more intuitive Apple Pay method" when using headsets.ĭesign-wise, the headset has been described as having a "sleek, curved visor attached to the face by a mesh material and swappable headbands." One headband allegedly features spatial audio technology like the AirPods Pro for a surround-sound like experience, while another provides additional battery life while on the go. There is no word yet on whether Apple's headset will be able to support iris recognition, but Kuo says that based on hardware specifications, an iris recognition feature should be possible. Kuo also believes that Apple's headset will be equipped with an advanced eye-tracking system used to provide an intuitive visual experience that interacts seamlessly with the external environment, along with more intuitive operation that can be controlled with eye movements and reduced computational burden in the form of a reduced resolution where the user is not looking. Eight of the 15 camera modules will be used for see-through augmented reality experiences, six modules will be used for "innovative biometrics," and one camera module will be used for environmental detection. A micro OLED display was previously rumored for the smart glasses, but not the VR headset.Īpple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said that Apple's upcoming mixed reality headset will feature 15 optical camera modules in total. The Elec claims that the VR headset will feature a high-resolution micro OLED display with up to 3,000 pixels per inch. There could also be an outward-facing visor built into the display to allow the wearer to show graphics to others. The Information in February said that will be equipped with more than a dozen cameras for tracking hand movements in addition to cameras for seeing the outside world, and the design blocks out peripheral vision to prevent light from leaking into the wearer's field of view. It's said to feature two high-resolution 8K displays and eye-detecting cameras that will let users "read small type" and "see other people standing in front of and behind virtual objects." The headset will be able to map surfaces, edges, and dimensions of rooms with "greater accuracy than existing devices on the market." It will have a more advanced display and a chip that's even faster than the M1 processor in 2020 Macs. The headset is rumored to be similar to Facebook's Oculus Quest virtual reality headset, but with a sleeker design that uses fabrics and lightweight materials to ensure the headset is comfortable. The Information and Bloomberg have both said that Apple is working on smart glasses AND an AR/VR headset, with the headset to come out in first followed by the glasses. The headset is AR/VR, aka mixed reality, while Apple's Glasses are augmented reality.

Many rumors have focused solely on the glasses, however, leading to some confusion about Apple's plans, but it appears the headset will be the first product launched.Īpple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple's "mixed reality" headset will come out in the second quarter of 2022, with the Apple Glasses to follow in 2025, though other sources have said the glasses will come in 2023. Though he is overseeing the overall project, Mike Rockwell continues to lead the day-to-day efforts.Īpple is rumored to be working on at least two AR projects that include an augmented reality headset set to be released in right around 2022 followed by a sleeker pair of augmented reality glasses coming at a later date. The project has faced development challenges, and Apple execs believe that Riccio's focus may help. VR/AR hiring has ramped up over the last several years, and Apple has acquired multiple AR/VR companies as it furthers its work in the AR/VR space.įormer Apple hardware engineering chief Dan Riccio in January 2021 transitioned to a new role where he is overseeing Apple's work on an AR/VR headset. Apple's Secret Augmented and Virtual Reality ProjectĪpple has been exploring virtual reality and augmented reality technologies for more than 10 years based on patent filings, but with virtual and augmented reality exploding in popularity with the launch of ARKit, Apple's dabbling is growing more serious and could lead to an actual dedicated AR/VR product in the not too distant future.Īpple is rumored to have a secret research unit with hundreds of employees working on AR and VR and exploring ways the emerging technologies could be used in future Apple products.
