Following a recent report stating that Apple’s rumored mixed-reality headset will feature advanced eye detection, reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today in a research note released by 9to5Mac that Apple was working on a hybrid ultra-short focal length lens aimed at keeping the weight of the headset below 150 grams.
As mentioned by Kuo, current virtual reality headphones typically weigh more than 300 grams and have a bulky form factor, which Apple wants to fix for its own headset. Apple’s VR device is expected to use Fresnel’s hybrid ultra-short focal length, which has improved the field of view as well as reduced weight and thickness.
The analyst believes that the new Apple headset will weigh less than 150 grams, which will be a big advantage compared to similar devices that currently exist. The device will be equipped with plastic lenses instead of glass, which is lighter, but details about the durability of the material are unknown.
While AR devices do not offer an immersive experience as VR devices, they generally have a more compact, favorable form factor. Apple’s challenge is to make a VR-enabled device that is also lightweight and not clumsy.
For video-transparent AR HMDs and VR HMDs, the critical design trend is to achieve a thin and light design with an ultra-short focal length / Fresnel lens. The design challenge is also related to performance, optical material, thermal and production. We believe that solving this complex optical design is one of the most important competitive advantages of the transparent AR HMDs and in the future.
He also emphasizes that Apple will use Micro-OLED screens for their headsets to compensate for the diminished brightness caused by Fresnel’s hybrid lenses. Earlier this month, the analyst revealed that this new device will also have 15 built-in camera lenses.
According to previous rumors, Apple’s mixed reality headset is expected to be launched sometime in 2022 and will cost as much as $ 1000. However, Kuo argues that shipping of the product may be delayed due to supply issues.
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