Apple VR headset could set you back $3,000 — here’s what’s inside

Apple VR headset could ready you back $three,000 — here'due south what'due south inside

(Paradigm credit: Oculus)

Apple's plans to dive into the world of augmented reality may go across Apple Glasses. The visitor is reportedly working on a mixed-reality headset that will feature more than 12 tracking cameras and 2 8K displays.

That's according to internal documentation and images cited in a report past The information, detailing a headset with a "sleek, curved visor attached to the face past a mesh material and swappable headbands."

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Based on a drawing past The Information, the Apple headset more than resembles a pair of goggles than it does a traditional VR headset, like the HTC Vive Pro, Oculus Rift 2, or Valve Index.

Apple VR headset — (Image credit: The Information)

Apple employees describe the new mixed-reality device as a virtual reality headset with augmented reality on acme. Considering of its multiple camera array, it'due south reportedly possible to play games with real-world objects using Apple's in-development headset.

Apple mixed-reality headset features, tech

Different an AR headset, Apple's mixed-reality device will completely shut off a user from the outside world, making information technology closer to a VR headset. Apple will then use an assortment of cameras to feed an paradigm on to two 8K displays, ane for each eye. The displays will also have eye-tracking to make sure movements are as 1-to-one as possible.

According to 2 people familiar with the device that talked to The Information, users will reportedly wear a thimble-like device on their finger to help with controls and manus tracking.

The headset will likewise have LiDAR (Lite Detection and Ranging) sensors, which is used for measuring distances with lasers. These sensors are already present on both iPhone 12 Pro models. The sensors can rapidly help the device measure out the area of a space, allowing users to accurately place virtual items. In that location will also be an optional headband accessory with a larger bombardment pack.

Apple mixed-reality headset launch date

The source told The Data that consumers could encounter Apple'due south mixed-reality headset as early equally next year. This person had obviously requested anonymity, because Apple has notwithstanding to announce the production.

Apple has reportedly partnered with Taiwanese manufacturer Pegatron, which likewise makes the company's iPhones and iPads, to gather this new device.

Even then, if this device never sees the light of day, do not be surprised. Apple is more than than willing to sit on a product if information technology feels it'due south non ready or has no viable futurity.

How much volition the Apple mixed-reality headset toll?

It's no surprise that a device this advanced will not be cheap. According to The Information, the product would cost effectually $iii,000. That's far more than expensive than an HTC Vive Pro or Valve Alphabetize, which sit between the $900-1,000. It would be cheaper than Microsoft'south HoloLens 2, which costs $3,500.

And because this device would likely be a bazaar item, Apple doesn't plan on producing millions of these things. Right at present, Apple is internally discussing shipping only $250,000 worth of units. It makes sense, as Microsoft's HoloLens is used for more than industrial applications than consumer ones. While games can exist played on Apple'due south mixed-reality headset, it'southward unlikely that will exist its call-to-artillery.

Do note, this mixed-reality headset is separate from the rumored Apple Spectacles. Those are expected to be far more than affordable, at $500. But the glasses exist farther off, with a 2023 release date, according to an internal meeting from 2019.

Clearly, Apple has a lot of plans outside of phones, computers and tablets. Nosotros're looking forward to what the future might bring.

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Imad Khan is news editor at Tom'due south Guide, helping direct the day's breaking coverage. Prior to working at the site, Imad was a full-time freelancer, with bylines at the New York Times, the Washington Post and ESPN. Outside of work, you can find him sitting blankly in front of a Word certificate trying desperately to write the first pages of a new book.