Those eager for their first glimpse at Apple’s VR/AR headset should check out a concept design that might well be our best look yet at a product supposedly coming later this year.
It’s heavily based on leaked info about the upcoming virtual reality/augmented reality device — possibly called the “Reality Pro” — but with style added.
Check this beautiful Apple VR/AR headset concept
There have been so many leaks (and even a hint from Apple’s CEO) about a VR/AR headset that there can be no doubt that one is coming. The main question is when.
That said, Apple has kept a fairly tight rein on the exact design. No renders of the device have leaked yet. That’s where the concept artists come in.
A contest by Freelancer.com challenged designers around the world to create “the best conceptualization of what the rumored Apple VR/AR headset would look like.” Ahmed Chenni, a talented freelance 3D artist from Ain Azel, Algeria, won.
Concept: Ahmed Chenni/Freelancer.com
“We’re blown away by the quality of the submissions, particularly the work from Ahmed,” said Marko Zitko, communications manager at Freelancer.com, in a press release. “Apple’s upcoming mixed reality headset is expected to be a high-end device and the winning visualization hits the nail on the head by blending components of Apple’s premium products.”
Chenni’s design seems to be loosely based on drawings of the VR/AR device leaked by The Information in 2021.
All the submissions are available on the contest’s website. They show a range of possible designs.
Looking into Apple’s VR/AR future
Although Apple has yet to unveil the VR/AR headset, quite a bit is already known about it. Expect the product to be packed with cutting-edge features … with a price to match.
Tipsters say it will pack three high-res displays, one of which will be external. It’ll be built around a chip on par with the Apple M2 to power its performance. Many types of sensors will detect the wearer’s surroundings and their hands, and even scan their face.
Put on a Reality Pro VR headset from Apple, and you can expect to see the familiar iPhone user interface rendered in 3D. Users can attend a virtual meeting with another user, with each person realistically rendered. Or play VR games, watch a movie in a virtual theater or even just check their calendar or access websites.
The product is currently expected to be unveiled in spring 2023. The price could be as high as $3,000 for what will essentially be a public prototype test.
