In recent months, there have been constant rumors about a VR display (Virtual Reality) developed by Apple, the first of its kind for the Apple. Indeed, it would be better to talk about Mixed Reality: a device capable of showing Augmented Reality as well as Virtual Reality. The viewer may arrive as early as next year: here's all we know about it.
Everything we know about Apple's VR headset
A VR headset (or XR if it really will be in Mixed Reality) would mean an adoption of a technology by Apple that historical rivals have been working on for a long time. Microsoft has conquered the professional market with its own Hololen 2, which cost the high figure of 3.899 euros but offer excellent performance for the industry. The Eye Quest 2 Facebook instead have captivated many private users, who use them to play games and to live experiences in VR. Although there are no certainties about what Apple's intentions are, with the various rumors and rumors collected we can give an idea of where the Apple VR viewer is located. And it will not surprise you to find that Apple, as usual, has chosen a third way.
Apple VR: band design and great lightness
The first question to look for an answer is: what design did Apple choose for its VR headset? Over the years, the Cupertino company has accustomed us to continually reinvent your own minimalist style. Especially with the first products: the first iPhone, the first Apple Watch, the first AirPods. Always products with a unique design, which makes skeptics turn up their noses and apple fans rejoice.
Although there are still no official renders that have leaked, it looks like the design can be band: a cover over the eyes and a band of some kind to fasten the visor behind the head. Rumors suggest it may be wireless, so we don't expect dangling cables but just a USB-C input (we suspect) for charging. Below we show you the render that the designer Antonio De Rosa did about it.
If with regard to the look we have to rely above all on the imagination of a graphic designer, we know something more about the weight of the Apple Mixed Reality viewer. According to a report a few weeks ago by the analyst specializing in Apple products Ming-Chi Kuo, the weight should settle around 150 grams. Half of the competition, making an average. To accomplish this, we expect Apple to use mostly lightweight plastics for construction.
In addition, other reports suggest that it can use the same material as the Apple Watch Sport Band for the headband to put around the head, which is made of fluoroelastomer, a synthetic rubber. We're not sure it's comfortable to wear over your hair, but we're confident Apple is working on making it comfortable.
15 cameras and 8K vision
According to Kuo's analysis, the new headset will have lots of cameras, 15 to be exact. Eight would serve for the augmented reality, allowing you to see the outside way through the viewer to superimpose digital elements. One is for recognizing obstacles when in VR mode. The others six are used to read biometric data: We don't know what they are but we expect Apple to measure our eye movements and facial expressions to make the interaction between us and the virtual world smoother. But it seems there may be the iris recognition to unlock your account.
The displays promise to be impressive - they should have one 8K resolution for both eyes. This should allow for an incredibly realistic view, with very fine detail. Though high resolution might be a problem for wireless transmission: Apple engineers will have a lot of work to do to make the device both detail and fluid at the same time.
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The release of the latest Macbooks has left many technology enthusiasts speechless: the M1 processor developed by Apple has excellent performance. But having only been released on the less powerful devices in Cupertino (Mac Mini, Macbook Air and Pro 13) it showed only part of the potential of the Apple Silicon chip. We expect a new M processor to arrive for stationary Macs as well. However, it wouldn't surprise us to see a processor dedicated to Mixed Reality.
The efficiency of the Apple chips could explain the limited weight even with the 8K resolution. Also, if like the M1 chip it doesn't need fans, it can be a great solution for keep the headset cool and do not produce excessive noise.
Apple VR: price and release date of the headset
As for the price, opinions vary a lot. At the beginning of February 2021 The Information spoke of a possible price around the 3.000 euros. Less than Hololens, but much more than other rumors suggest: it doesn't seem to be a product for companies. Kuo claims he can get around around the euro 1.000. Such a price put the Apple VR viewer in the limit of products for individuals, albeit in the higher range. The same tactic adopted for the AirPods Max: a ultra premium product, but not for professionals.
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In all the reports we have read, we talk about a release in 2022. Some analysts are hoping for an announcement in 2021, perhaps in the queue for the presentation event of the iPhones that we are waiting for this fall: a small look, a teaser. But it is more likely that before the second half of next year not a single official word will come out from Cupertino. But they are likely to come out rumors, leaked shots and advertising material procured by some insider: we keep you informed of all possible updates.
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