There are rumors that Apple is already working on a virtual reality headphone next year, and The information today reported on some possible features to expect, based on information shared by a source with direct knowledge of the device.
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The report claims that the headset will be equipped with more than a dozen cameras for tracking hand movements, along with 8K screens with ultra-high resolution and advanced eye-tracking technology. The cameras would be able to send the real-world video through the viewer and display it to the user, which would create a “mixed-reality effect”.
The information said it was looking at internal Apple images of a “late-stage prototype” of last year’s headset, which confirmed a ‘sleek, curved visor to the face through a mesh material and interchangeable headbands.’
The report claims that one headband will have spatial sound technology like the AirPods Pro for a surround sound experience, while another optional headband will offer extra battery life along the way. Similar to AirPods Max replacement ear cushions, it is possible that the headbands are also offered in different colors.
Apple is said to be developing several ways to control the headset, including a “fingertip-like device to be worn on a person’s finger.” The report may also respond to the wearer’s eye movements and hand gestures, according to the report, while one prototype of the headset also had a physical rotary knob on the sight’s side.
According to the report, Apple internally discussed the price of the headset at about $ 3,000, which would put it inside Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 headset, which sells for $ 3,500. This price will definitely make Apple’s headset a high-quality, niche product, and the company apparently sets an internal goal to ship only 250,000 units of the headset in the first year of its release.
Some of these details have been previously reported by Bloombergsee Mark Gurman, CNET, and other sources, and The information agree that the headset is likely to be released in 2022 at the earliest. According to Apple, they are also working on a slimmer, more affordable augmented reality glasses, but this is not expected until 2023 or later.