Apple's Long-Awaited AR/VR Headset is Almost Complete

Sophie Webster, Tech Times 19 May 2022, 08:05 pm

On May 9, Apple demonstrated its upcoming AR/VR headset to its board members, indicating that the device is in an advanced stage of development and could see a launch in the near future.

Apple has also ramped up the development of the software that runs on the device, with that software expected to be named RealityOS, or rOS for short.

Apple's AR/VR Headset is Nearing Launch

The work on the AR/VR device has been ongoing for years now, and Apple's first product is said to be a hybrid headset that has curved visor and a soft mesh that fits against the user's face, according to MacRumors.

The device is expected to have an Apple Watch-like strap to hold it in place, and Apple is aiming to make it lighter and more comfortable than other headsets that are on the market.

The device will feature two 4K micro-OLED displays, 15 different camera modules, powerful processors equivalent to the M-series chips, eye tracking feature, hand gesture support, spatial audio, and other amazing features.

Also Read: Apple AR/VR Headset's Potential Name | 'Apple Goggles' or 'Apple Vision?'

When the device launches, the AR/VR headset is expected to cost around $3,000, according to The Verge.

Apple has reportedly been working to release the AR/VR headset since 2019 but there have been multiple delays in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Apple has been dealing with issues like overheating and problems with the device's camera and its software, which has caused the debut date to be pushed back a lot of times.

According to Bloomberg, fans could see the AR/VR headset as early as the end of the year, though a consumer release is not planned until 2023.

The AR/VR headset will be Apple's first major new product category since the Apple Watch that came out in 2015.

Apple is expected to follow the AR/VR headset with a second-generation version and a set of augmented reality smart glasses that are going to be released in 2024.

Apple Watch Features Fans May See in watchOS9

Fans may see a better low-power mode. It could shut off things like the accelerometer functions, heart-rate monitoring and third-party apps, while still displaying a full watch face and notifications, according to MacWorld.

The feature would make the battery last only 48 hours instead of 72 hours, but it would be a much better option for those who are going to be away from their chargers.

Also, watchOS9 may feature called FaceKit. It is like WidgetKit that would provide standardize fonts, animation templates, interface elements, and other things to make faces that look like Apple's, while keeping enough guardrails on developers to preserve the Apple Watch experience.

But just like widgets on iOS, the developers would still have enough freedom to make unique and amazing faces.

Sleep tracking is also another feature that fans want to see in the new Apple Watch. It is a feature that will track your respiratory rate while you're sleeping.

Also, an updated Health app on Apple Watch may be more condensed compared to what is on the iPhone, but it would still be useful to view your daily health metrics and daily trends.