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Rumors that Apple is working on a mixed reality headset have been circulating for many months. Now there are new details regarding the launch.
Noted Apple leaker and Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman has spoken out regarding Apple's upcoming mixed-reality headset. In a newsletter outlining the possible future of the company's WWDC conference, which is held in an in-person format, Gurman explains that Apple aims to release a mixed-reality headset, its first major new device since 2015, at an in-person event sometime in the "next few months." Apple last held a so-called "in-person event" in September 2019. Since then, all events have been held digitally due to the global health crisis. Gurman writes:
At some point in the next few months, the company will announce a mixed reality headset, its first major new device since 2015. If possible, Apple won't want to make such a special announcement at an online event. The company wants employees, the media, its partners and developers in the room.
Bloomberg previously reported that Apple's first VR/AR headset will be a high-end, expensive, and "niche" device aimed at developers. Internally, Apple believes it could only sell one headset per day in its stores. If this expectation holds true, the company will only sell about 180,000 units per year in its 500 stores worldwide.
Apple VR/AR: The mixed reality headset is just the beginning
Bloomberg previously claimed that Apple was aiming for a product launch as early as next year. Given today's information, it's possible that Apple is announcing the headset in advance to give developers time to prepare for the new VR experience. Apple took a similar step with the announcement of Apple Silicon for the Mac at WWDC 2020, several months before the first Macs with their own chips were unveiled. The headset is rumored to feature two 8K displays, eye tracking, and more than a dozen cameras for capturing hand movements. The headset would be a direct competitor to other products already on the market, such as Facebook's Oculus Rift, which was primarily used for gaming. Following the first headset, Apple plans to release a mainstream augmented reality product. However, according to Bloomberg, this product, informally called Apple Glasses, is still "several years away." (Photo by Kesu01 / Bigstockphoto)
