First Apple Mixed Reality Headset Rumored to Focus on Gaming, Media, and Communication
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.
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 Stories
Apple's mixed reality headset that's set to launch in 2022 will be equipped with three displays, according to a research report shared today by display analyst Ross Young. The display configuration will include two micro OLED displays along with one AMOLED panel, with Sony set to supply the micro OLED displays that Apple will use. The micro OLED displays will be the main displays for the...
Memojis and SharePlay could be central to the FaceTime experience on Apple's long-rumored mixed-reality headset, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Gurman, who often reveals accurate insights into Apple's plans, has previously said that Apple's mixed-reality headset will focus on gaming, media consumption, and communication. The headset itself is rumored to run "rOS" or "realityOS,"...
Apple plans to release its first mixed reality headset with Wi-Fi 6E support in 2022, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today in a note sent out to investors.
Concept render by Antonio De Rosa based on recent reports Apple is rumored to be working on at least two AR projects that include an augmented reality headset set to be released in late 2022, followed by a sleeker pair of augmented...
Apple's widely-rumored AR/VR headset is coming at the end of 2022, with shipments to ramp up in the first quarter of 2023, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In a research note with TF International Securities, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo said Apple's headset will feature two "3P pancake lenses," which have a folded design that allows light to reflect back and forth between the display and...
Apple hasn't come out with a new product category since the 2018 launch of the HomePod, and there hasn't been a new wearable since the 2015 debut of the Apple Watch. That's set to change in the not too distant future, as Apple's AR/VR headset is nearing completion and will likely see a launch in 2023.
Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Rumors about the first head worn ...
Tuesday December 21, 2021 7:05 am PST by
Sami FathiAs 2022 is shaping up to finally be the year Apple announces its long-awaited and rumored AR/VR headset, a new set of artistic renders have offered us our best look yet at what Apple's first headset will look like, based on credible reports citing sources from within the company.
The renders, created by concept maker Ian Zelbo, are based on details provided in a report from The Information...
Apple may not begin production on its upcoming AR/VR headset until the end of the fourth quarter of 2022, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today in a note sent out to investors. That would likely result in the device launching late in 2022 or in early 2023.
Before launching the headset, Apple wants to have "complete software, ecosystem, and services," which Kuo cites as the reason why Apple ...
Apple's long-rumored AR/VR headset could be delayed until 2023 after being beset with issues during the development process, according to Bloomberg.
Concept render based on purported leaked information by Ian Zelbo Citing people familiar with Apple's plans, the report claims that Apple originally planned to launch the headset in 2021 and ship it this year. The company then set its sights on...
Popular Stories
Leaker Jon Prosser today shared ostensibly accurate renders of the iPhone 14 Pro, providing the most accurate look yet at what the device could look like when it launches later this year.
In the latest video on YouTube channel Front Page Tech, Prosser revealed renders of the iPhone 14 Pro made by Apple concept graphic designer Ian Zelbo, highlighting a range of specific design changes...
Last year's iPhone 13 Pro models were the first of Apple's smartphones to come with 120Hz ProMotion displays, and while the two iPhone 14 Pro models will continue to feature the technology, their screens could well boast expanded refresh rate variability this time round.
To bring ProMotion displays to the iPhone 13 Pro models, Apple adopted LTPO panel technology with variable refresh...
Amazon is marking down a wide variety of 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models this week, with prices starting as low as $749.00 for the 11-inch tablet. You'll find the full list of sales below, all of which can be found on Amazon.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep...
Apple appears to have recently updated the Wallet app to allow users to add an Apple Account Card, which displays the Apple credit balance associated with an Apple ID.
If you receive an App Store or Apple Store gift card, for example, it is added to an Apple Account that was previously visible in the App Store and Apple Store apps. As of today, the Apple Account balance can also be added to...
Apple in February unveiled a new "Tap to Pay on iPhone" feature that will allow compatible iPhones to accept payments via Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallets, with no additional hardware required.
Apple began testing the feature at its Apple Park Visitor Center earlier this month, and now Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has tweeted that the feature will begin...
Apple today confirmed that the keynote event for the Worldwide Developers Conference will begin at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on June 6, the first day of WWDC. The keynote will be an online-only event, though a select number of developers have been invited to the Apple Park campus for a viewing event.
In addition to confirming the keynote date and time, Apple has shared the full WWDC 2022...
Top Rated Comments
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.
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
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.
What else would you use it for?