Apple is reportedly working on at least three AR/VR headsets. The company will first launch the “Apple Reality Pro” headset, which would directly rival Meta’s upcoming Quest Pro headset.
Apple developing three AR/VR headsets
In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple is actively working on three AR headsets. They are codenamed “N301,” “N602” and “N421.”
N301 will be the first device to launch, using the Apple Reality Pro moniker. The N602 will follow, likely at a lower price point. N421 is reportedly Apple’s AR glasses, though there’s no clarity on when that product will launch.
Using a shell corporation, Apple recently trademarked different variations of “Reality,” including “Reality Pro” and “Reality Processor.” The company could use the latter name for the chip that power’s the AR/VR headset.
Gurman further reveals that Apple trademarked “Optica” using the same shell company. The naming scheme hints at the AR headset’s possibly interchangeable optics system for users with prescription glasses.
Apple’s first AR/VR headset might debut in January 2023
Apple’s AR/VR headset is unlikely to make an appearance at its September 7 Far Out event. The company seemingly plans a separate media event in January 2023 to showcase the long-rumored device.
For consumers, preorders could start sometime in Q2 2023. The AR/VR headset could finally hit stores before WWDC 2023.
Apple CEO Tim Cook already teased the AR/VR headset during an interview with Chinese state-affiliated media on June 14, 2022.
With a rumored price tag upward of $2,000, Apple’s first AR headset won’t be cheap. However, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo still thinks the company could ship 1.5 million units in 2023.
The first headset will be used to build an ecosystem of apps and attract developers. The lower price of the follow-up model will then help make it more accessible to consumers.
