Apple is Planning to Launch a Cheaper Version of its Upcoming Mixed Reality Headset

Apple’s upcoming mixed reality headset has been in the news for quite some time now. Earlier the headset was all set to be launched in the spring of 2023, but then the plans for its unveiling were shifted to the WWDC conference which is going to be held in June 2023.

Why the Need for a Cheaper Version of the Apple Mixed Reality Headset- Is Price the Main Driving Force Behind the Decision?

Apple Mixed Reality headset was originally planned to be launched only as a premium product in the AR/VR headset market, but the market has now actually become competitive with the launch of headsets like PSVR2. There are some rumors about the upcoming Samsung mixed reality headset also in the market. During the Galaxy S23 launch Samsung made some announcements regarding its collaboration with Qualcomm and Google on an upcoming mixed reality platform. So, now the market is booming with already launched PSVR2 headset and upcoming Meta VR headset and also the announced Samsung mixed reality headset. Competition for Apple Mixed Reality Headset actually comes in the form of pricing strategy for the premium market. Apple Mixed Reality Headset is likely to cost around 3000$ in the market and this might mean not catering to the mass market. The competition in the market has motivated Apple to come out with a cheaper version of the mixed reality headset with a lower- end display and processor components. According to Mark Gurman, this headset is likely to be launched around the end of 2024 or 2025 and it might be dubbed as Reality One based on the Trademark Filings by the company.

Expected Changes in the Features of the New Cheaper Upcoming Apple Mixed Reality Headset

The focus of the new cheaper version would be performance.

Apple’s first upcoming model will have a M2 chip and additionally a second chip for AR and VR processing. Despite a powerful chip the device will not be powerful enough to output graphics according to the standards defined by Apple. For the second model the company is planning to use a more powerful M3 or M4 chip as the processor, so that the device meets the standards defined by the company.

Expected Technical Specs of the Original Upcoming Apple Mixed Reality Headset

1. The Mixed- Reality headset is supposed to have 15 cameras for tracking and biometrics. Eight cameras will be used to help the wearer see the world while he is wearing the mixed- reality headset.
2. There are internal sensors in the headset that automatically help in adjusting the 8K visuals according to the user’s unique facial features.
3. The headset will probably not need an iPhone for setup or use. The latest operating system of the device 'xrOS' can be set up without an iPhone and can download a user’s content and iCloud data directly from the cloud.
4. There are powerful cameras inside that work on translating your facial expressions in the form of a display on the outside of the device.
5. The unique part of the headset is the presence of an Apple watch- esque dial on the side which allows the user to switch between the VR views and the color views of his physical world.
6. Rumors further reveal that Apple Mixed Reality headset will capture leg movements also.
7. VR Headset will have a curved visor on the front, and this will outwardly show a wearer’s eyes with speakers on the sides. A headband will fit the device around the user’s head.
8. It will be a standalone product with a built-in battery, and the wearer can use it without connecting it to a game console like he has to do in PlayStation VR.
9. The new Mixed- Reality headset will be made from aluminium, glass and cushions.
10. According to the leaked specifications the Apple Mixed- Reality headset might use a custom version of M2 chips found in the company’s latest Macs. The second chip used by the company will be Reality Processor.
11. It will provide a much higher resolution display than the other existing VR headsets in the market. It will come with ultra-high-resolution dual 8K displays for each eye.
12. Apple Mixed reality headset will have the capability to switch between AR and VR.
13. The device will have iOS like interface.
14. The device will be powerful enough to show Mac Display and Immersive videos.

  The Way Apple Mixed Reality Headset Will Work

Apple Mixed reality headset will have the capability to switch between AR and VR and the device will have iOS like interface. The new Mixed reality headset will be powerful enough to show Mac Display and Immersive videos.

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the Mixed- reality headset by Apple will have many external cameras that will be used to analyse the movements of the user’s hands. Also, there will be a presence of sensors within the gadget’s housing to track the movement of eyes. These features allow the user to control the device by looking at it and the user can select any on-screen item like a button or an app.

To activate the task the users will have to pinch their thumb and index finger together. Users will have no need to hold anything and this differentiates the Apple Mixed- reality headsets from other VR headsets which rely on a hand controller.

Digital Crown feature is going to be the real winner for the new mixed- reality headset by Apple. It is a feature which is quite similar to an Apple watch where the wearer is allowed to switch between AR and VR modes. The VR mode of the device gives a total immersive experience but as soon as the AR mode is enabled the content fades back and becomes surrounded by the wearer’s physical environment.

The Face Time software of the headset will help in realistically interpreting the user’s face and full body in VR. This will help in the creation of a more realistic Avatar of the wearer, and these realistic Avatars will allow two people wearing the Apple Mixed- reality headset to communicate and feel like they are in the same room with each other. Additional users involved will be displayed as Apple’s customized icon or Memoji.

The cheaper version of the Apple Mixed Reality headset might be one of the breakthrough products in the AR/VR headset market. Gamers who want to live the game might love to explore and use the headset, if it is made available to the mass market at an affordable price.