First Apple Mixed Reality Headset Rumored to Focus on Gaming, Media, and Communication

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Apple's rumored augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headset will focus on gaming, media consumption, and communication, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

apple view concept right cornerConcept render of Apple's rumored AR headset by Antonio De Rosa

Gurman, who often reveals accurate insights into Apple's plans, outlined the broad use-cases that users can expect from the company's mixed reality headset in his weekly "Power On" newsletter.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently explained that Apple is preparing to position its headset to be capable of replacing the iPhone in 10 years, but Gurman today clarified that the first-generation version of the device will not be a Mac, iPhone or iPad replacement from the start.

Instead, Gurman believes that the headset will focus on three "killer" features: gaming, media consumption, and communication.

Gaming should be a strong focus of the machine, especially given that it will have multiple processors, a fan, extremely high resolution displays and its own App Store. Look for Apple to position the device as a dream for game developers. Next, media consumption. I expect Apple to work with media partners to create content that can be watched in VR on the device. Third, communications. Look for Animojis and a VR FaceTime-like experience to be the new-age Zoom.

A large number of details about the headset's hardware and specifications have now been reported, with the device rumored to feature a lightweight design, two main processors, two 4K micro LED displays, 15 optical modules, eye-tracking, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and more. Apple has filed a number of patents related to the device's potential software and while it is expected to feature a see-through AR mode, the anticipated software features Gurman outlined today are among the limited number of rumors around the device's functionality.

With Apple's mixed reality headset now "approaching liftoff," according to Morgan Stanley analysts, Kuo believes that the device will begin mass production in the second quarter of 2022 and launch in the fourth quarter of 2022. For more information about the Apple's AR and VR plans, see our detailed roundup that outlines everything rumors and leaks say we can expect.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Tags: Bloomberg, Mark Gurman
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)
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Top Rated Comments

Yvan256 Avatar
Yvan256
54 months ago
“Some people say, "Give the customers what they want." But that's not my approach. Our job is to figure out what they're going to want before they do. I think Henry Ford once said, "If I'd asked customers what they wanted, they would have told me, 'A faster horse!'" People don't know what they want until you show it to them. That's why I never rely on market research. Our task is to read things that are not yet on the page.” ― Steve Jobs

After experiencing a few AR demos through my iPhone SE 2, as well as playing games on a PS4/PS VR setup, I can't wait to see what the future is going to be. I see a lot more potential for AR glasses than phones, tablets and watches. AR glasses are the only thing that do not require to be held with your hand(s) and have a huge display area that also doesn't require you to lose focus of what's around you. It's the merging of the digital world on top of the real physical world.

This rumoured headset, while expensive, is only the first step, like the first iPhone. Compare that first iPhone to what we have today. The future is coming a lot faster than most people think.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FaustsHausUK Avatar
FaustsHausUK
54 months ago
For those of us who don’t like voice control, nor want a vision-restricting gizmo strapped to our faces, how exactly will this replace the iPhone?
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lounge vibes 05 Avatar
Lounge vibes 05
54 months ago
I mean… yeah.
What else would they focus on?
Also honest question here.
I’m a completely blind Apple user.
Every device of there’s, from the iPhone and iPad to the Mac to the Watch to the Apple TV and even the HomePod are extremely accessible, the leaders in their field.
If these glasses are truly the iPhone killer, how is Apple going to sell these things to someone like me?
How do you make Apple Glass a fully accessible product like an iPhone or a Mac
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Yvan256 Avatar
Yvan256
54 months ago

gaming, media consumption, communications = "killer" features? LMAO.

Tech looking for a user case ...

Now, wearable computing has its use cases in business, eg remote diagnostics, inspection and such, would be great for that, but, for consumers, gaming, yes, I'm not arguing, but media and comm? for nerds, sure, but for the "average" consumer, not so much ... and if history will prove me wrong in 10 years ...
Nerds told people in the 1980's that everyone would have a computer in their house in the future.
Techies told people in the 1990's that everyone would be using the Internet in the future.
Prosumers told people in the 2000's that everyone would have a cellphone in the future.
Most people have been using technology since the 2010's and here we are at the end of 2021, where there's no such thing as average consumers not using cutting-edge technologies anymore.

If the technology cycle is roughly the same then it means basically everyone will be wearing AR glasses by 2031~2041 and people without a pair will be seen the same way as someone without a smartphone in 2021.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
diamornte Avatar
diamornte
54 months ago

I feel like Gurman had nothing better to do today so he decided to make things up.

So I guess the target market is going to be the kids?

Is there even a big demand for it? Who said it’s coming to replace the iPhone ?
So many commenters with no vision or imagination. Is there a big demand for it? Was there a big demand for iPhone 1 before it came out?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
alexjholland Avatar
alexjholland
54 months ago
Imagine my surprise.

What else would you use it for?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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