Apple VR Headset- Expected Release, Specs and Rumors

Imagine if you could use a device to break the line between your existing reality and your imagination. According to the sources Apple is working on building a VR headset that will make this imagination a reality for its customers. The latest information about the launch of Apple VR headset reveals that it will be launched in the later months of the year 2023. According to Ming-Chi Kuo the launch of the new AR/VR headset will be delayed because of software-related issues. He has further indicated that the headset shipment forecast will be less than 500k units in the year 2023, which is lower in comparison to the market consensus of 800k - 1200k units.

Creating a Niche

Apple wants to create a niche in the VR market segment. There are rumors about Apple releasing these AR or VR headsets in the year 2023 or even later. Earlier the rumors were around the release of AR glasses, but the information extracted from various sources states that the release of VR headsets would precede the release of AR glasses.

There is further information from other reliable sources like Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman from Bloomberg. They have hinted that the headset will be released in 2023, and the glasses would be launched in 2024 or 2025. Apple VR or MR (Mixed Reality) headset is being released earlier than the AR glasses, as Apple wants to prepare the ground for the release of its next generation AR product.

VR/AR Technology Explained

According to Appleinsider.com “VR cuts users off from their environment, fully immersing them in a virtual world. Meanwhile, AR overlays virtual objects, UIs, and characters on top of the user's real-world environment. Mixed Reality (MR) can refer to a headset that incorporates elements of both. All of these technologies use two lenses that combine two slightly different images to achieve a stereoscopic 3D illusion.” Apple wants to make use of its technological resources to set up a strong foothold in the existing AR/VR products market.

Leaked Specifications of the Apple VR Headset

1. Powerful A- series processors
2. Apple VR or MR headset will have the code name N301 while the AR glasses will have the code name N421
3. VR headsets would be heavier than the proposed AR glasses and will be similar in look and feel to other available VR headsets in the market
4. VR Headset will have a curved visor on the front
5. 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
6. The VR headset will have a simple headset design with bands similar to Apple Watch
7. It will provide isolated experience from the real world because of its enclosed design
8. To make the headset weigh less than a pound, the headset is being reported to have a fabric exterior
9. According to the leaked specifications the Apple VR headset might use a custom version of M1, M1 Pro, or M1 Max
10. It will provide a much higher resolution display than the other existing VR headsets in the market. The resolution will be 2160X2160 for each eye or 4320X2160 combined resolution

Additional Features

1. To make room for more realistic environments, the VR headset will use ultra-high-resolution 8K display
2. It will use a technique called Foveated Rendering which tends to track the eye movement of the users when they are immersed in the virtual world
3. Apple’s VR headsets will have motion sensors that will display virtual hands that will move with the remote
4. SharePlay feature in the VR headset will allow the user to watch movies or play music while he or she is immersed in the virtual world
5. The VR 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 VR headset

Expected Pricing

The rumors are that Apple will set the price of the VR headset at around 3000$. This is going to be more than the price of other available products in the same category. So, watch out for the release of the Apple VR headset, as it is going to shape up the future of VR technology.