Production of Apple’s first VR/AR headset is in “the final sprint,” according to a new report out of Taiwan. This falls in line with earlier leaks indicating that Apple will unveil the device at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
The latest info even suggests the mixed-reality headset will begin shipping before the end of that month.
Apple’s VR/AR headset is finally drawing close
There’s really no room for doubt that Apple is about to introduce a headset with both virtual reality and augmented reality capabilities. There’s been a long series of leaks about it, including recent ones with details on the headset’s high-end hardware and the critical software that will power it. WWDC23 looks like the perfect event to unveil the device, as Apple pushes developers to create third-party applications that will unlock the headset’s potential.
Production of the device is reportedly moving full steam ahead. “Apple’s MR new products have entered the final sprint,” Taiwan’s Economic Daily News reported Monday, according to a machine translation. This info comes from sources at companies making components for the product.
One of these companies, Foxconn’s GIS-KY, says it will be mounting lenses on an MR headset that will launch in the second quarter of this year. This is likely an oblique reference to Apple’s VR/AR headset. If so, it indicates buyers won’t be waiting months to get their hands on the device.
What we know about Apple’s Reality headset
The long-rumored Apple headset likely will be called “Reality One” or “Reality Pro,” according to the latest rumors. Earlier leaks revealed that the headset will come with an array of applications for productivity, collaboration and fun. These will be displayed to the headset wearer in augmented reality as though they were floating in front of their eyes.
As for hardware, tipsters say the device will sport three high-resolution displays, one of which will be external. It’ll be powered by a chip on par with the Apple M2 for cutting-edge performance. Many types of sensors will detect the wearer’s surroundings and their hands, and even scan their face. And an external battery pack about the size of an iPhone will connect to the headset and power it for up to two hours.
All that high-end hardware reportedly will make the headset far more expensive than its competitors, with the price tag possibly running as high as $3,000.
