Apple Reality Pro: Everything You Need To Know About Apple's VR/AR Headset
In this article we will discuss all the latest information surrounding the release of Apple's VR/AR headset, unofficially dubbed "Apple Reality Pro", and why we're excited for it's release.
Apple has been notoriously secretive about its plans for virtual and augmented reality, but that hasn't stopped the rumours and leaks from swirling around the internet.
The tech giant is reportedly working on a VR/AR mixed reality headset that could rival the likes of Meta Quest 2 and PSVR 2, and offer a unique blend of immersive and interactive experiences.
As a result, we could see mixed-reality technology taking a valuable place in Apple's popular ecosystem very soon.
Release Date
The most burning question on everyone's mind: when will Apple unveil its VR/AR headset to the world?
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who has a solid track record of Apple scoops, the answer might be sooner than you think.
An Early Release Seems Likely
Gurman reported that Apple recently held a special demonstration of the headset for some of its top executives at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California. He wrote that "the demonstrations were polished, glitzy and exciting", and suggested that this might indicate a public launch is imminent.
Gurman also claimed that Apple is aiming to reveal the headset at its WWDC 2023 event in June, where it usually showcases its latest software and hardware innovations. However, he also noted that there are still some hardware and software issues that need to be resolved before then.
Could It Be Delayed?
Other sources have also pointed to a 2023 release date for the headset, though some have speculated that it could be delayed until 2024 or even 2025. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is known for his accurate predictions, said that Apple will launch two versions of the headset: a high-end model in 2023 and a low-end model in 2025.
Of course, nothing is official until Apple says so, and the company could surprise us all with a different timeline or strategy. But one thing is clear: Apple is serious about entering the VR/AR space, and we can't wait to see what it has in store.
Price
The Apple VR/AR headset is also expected to be very expensive, with analysts suggesting the company is targeting niche markets like education, entertainment, gaming, and business with its first-generation headset.
It has a rumored price point of around $3,000 - a hefty blow to the wallet of even the more avid VR enthusiasts.
This makes it more comparable to high-end enterprise devices like the Microsoft HoloLens 2 or the Meta Quest Pro than consumer devices like the Meta Quest 2 or the PSVR 2.
It can also be said that Apple is trying to test the waters of the rapidly evolving landscape of immersive technology - many people still think of VR/AR as a gimmick, and that could affect the launch of the Reality Pro.
Nevertheless, Apple seems confident in its venture into the Extended-Reality (XR) space, as the company reportedly plans to release its cheaper second-generation consumer VR/AR headset sometime in the future.
Design
Another big question is what will Apple's VR/AR headset look like. Will it be sleek and stylish like an iPhone, or bulky and futuristic like a sci-fi helmet? Will it be comfortable and lightweight, or heavy and cumbersome? Will it have wires or be wireless?
Unfortunately, we don't have any clear answers to these questions yet, as Apple has not revealed any images or prototypes of the headset. However, we do have some clues from various patents, reports, and leaks that paint a rough picture of what to expect.
Apple's Reality Pro is rumored to have a sleek carbon fiber enclosure that will make it lightweight and durable.
The headset will also have a mesh fabric material on the front and back that will allow for ventilation and comfort. The headset will have adjustable straps and padding to fit different head sizes and shapes.
Gurman has said that the headset will have an external battery pack that will need to be replaced after a few hours of use. The battery pack will connect to the headset via a magnetic wireless charger. The headset will also require an iPhone or Mac to function properly.
These design choices might seem disappointing or puzzling to some VR enthusiasts, who might prefer a more affordable, comfortable, and standalone device. However, it's possible that Apple is aiming for a niche market of early adopters and professionals who are willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge technology. It's also possible that Apple will improve the design over time with future iterations of the headset.
Features
The most exciting question is what will Apple's upcoming VR/AR headset offer in terms of features? How will it stand out from the competition and justify its hefty price tag?
Here are some of the rumors and leaks we have gathered so far about the device that could revolutionize mixed reality.
Display
One of the most important aspects of any VR/AR headset is the display quality.
According to The Information, the Apple headset will feature two 8K displays, one for each eye, that will deliver stunning visuals and immersive experiences.
The displays will also have advanced eye-tracking technology that will adjust the focus and resolution based on where the user is looking. This could reduce motion sickness and improve performance.
Cameras and sensors
The Apple headset will reportedly have 12 tracking cameras that will enable both inside-out and outside-in tracking.
Inside-out tracking means that the headset can sense its position and orientation in the environment without relying on external sensors or base stations.
Outside-in tracking means that the headset can also project virtual objects onto the real world and create realistic interactions.
The cameras will also allow for facial recognition and hand gestures as input methods.
The headset will also have LiDAR sensors, similar to those found on the iPhone 12 Pro and iPad Pro, that will enable accurate depth sensing and mapping of the surroundings.
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, and it works by sending out pulses of light and measuring how long they take to bounce back. This creates a 3D model of the environment that can be used for occlusion, collision detection, and physics simulation.
Processor
The Apple headset will be powered by a custom Apple Silicon chip that will be more advanced than the M1 chip found in the latest MacBooks and iMacs.
This chip will have a dedicated neural engine for machine learning tasks, such as object recognition, scene understanding, and voice recognition.
It will also have a high-bandwidth memory architecture that will enable fast data transfer between the CPU, GPU, and RAM.
The headset will run on a new operating system called realityOS, which is based on iOS but optimized for mixed reality applications. Being able to run standalone apps as well as stream content from an iPhone or a Mac via Wi-Fi or USB-C, the HMD is perfect for standalone use, as well as integration with other devices in the Apple ecosystem.
RealityOS
This is the name of the operating system that will power the headset, according to a trademark application filed by Apple. Not much else is known about the operating system apart from this.
RealityOS will likely integrate with iOS, watchOS, and other Apple software products, and offer a seamless user interface for navigating between virtual and augmented reality modes. RealityOS could also enable developers to create immersive apps and games for the headset, using tools like ARKit and Reality Composer.
Face Mesh
The headset will have a face mesh feature, which is a way of capturing facial expressions and emotions using sensors on the inside of the device.
Face mesh will enable users to convey their emotions and reactions in VR and AR content, as well as create realistic avatars and digital characters. Face mesh could also be used for biometric authentication, such as iris recognition, and personalization features.
Mixed Reality Mode
The headset will have a mixed reality mode, which is a way of blending VR and AR content together.
Mixed reality mode will allow users to switch between fully immersive VR experiences and partially immersive AR experiences, depending on their preference and context.
Mixed reality mode could also enable users to overlay virtual objects and information on top of their real environment, creating new possibilities for entertainment, education, productivity and more.
With this technology, you can project virtual screens, as big as you want them to be, onto any surface such as a wall or ceiling. This provides a whole new dimension of convenience, productivity, and flexibility to digital content interaction.
Wireless Connectivity
The headset will have wireless connectivity options, which will allow it to pair with other devices such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TVs.
Wireless connectivity will enable users to stream VR and AR content from their devices to the headset, as well as access cloud-based services and data.
Wireless connectivity could also enable multiplayer and social features, such as co-watching movies or playing games with friends online.
Conclusion
The Apple VR/AR headset is one of the most anticipated products of 2023, and it could set a new standard for mixed reality experiences. With yet another megacorporation joining the immersive technology race, there will be more competition than ever before in the field. As a result, we will likely see faster innovation in the Extended Reality (XR) space than ever before.
However, the Apple VR/AR headset also faces many challenges and uncertainties, such as competition, cost, content, and consumer demand.
Will it be a game-changer or a flop? Only time will tell.