Apple Reportedly Completes Production Tests for AR/VR Headset

[MacRumors]

Apple has completed key production tests for its long-rumored augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headset, according to DigiTimes.

Concept render based on purported leaked information by Ian Zelbo​

Citing information from the headset's component suppliers, the device has reportedly completed second-phase engineering validation tests (EVT 2) to ensure that prototype units meet Apple's design goals and specifications. DigiTimes added that the headset is expected to debut by the end of 2022.

The preliminary information was shared in DigiTimes' paywalled "Before Going to Press" section, so there are no further details yet. The full report should be published by tomorrow, potentially with more information.

While Apple's headset was widely believed to be scheduled to launch this year, a recent report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman cast doubt on the chances of the device emerging this year due to development problems.

Nevertheless, Apple's headset project is said to be "approaching liftoff," with the device mirroring the development timeline of the Apple Watch in the period before its launch. Apple's work on the headset's operating system, realityOS, has been rumored since 2017, but the existence of the operating system was recently confirmed when references to it were found in App Store upload logs and Apple open source code. DigiTimes' latest report is yet another sign that Apple's headset is ebbing closer to mass production, even if the timeframe for the device's announcement now seems to be vaguely situated somewhere in 2022 or 2023.

The headset is rumored to feature a lightweight design, two 4K micro-OLED displays, 15 optical modules, two main processors, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, eye tracking, a see-through AR mode, object tracking, hand gesture controls, and more. The device's exact price point is as yet unclear, but some reports indicate that it could cost customers around $3,000. For more detailed information, see our comprehensive roundup.

Article Link: Apple Reportedly Completes Production Tests for AR/VR Headset

 

[lazyrighteye]

Bring it.
And ahead of the holidays would be perfect timing.

 

[MayaUser]

I look for the whos the informer first...if its Digitimes, i dont read anything else
But i guess, they took my click already

 

[macsareveryinteresting]

Hopefully it’s ready by the end of the year. It would be an intense competition between Oculus and Apple.

 

[easy4lif]

I remember when it was gonna cost 2k. Inflation I guess.

 

[easy4lif]

Hopefully it’s ready by the end of the year. It would be an intense competition between Oculus and Apple.

Oculus $299, Apple 3k. This isn’t a price point apple should want to hit

 

[icanhazmac]

I really want this to succeed but with Apple's absence from the gaming market I just don't know that they are going to have enough compelling software titles. This product will not sell based on "future availability" of titles, they need to be there at launch and there needs to be a bunch of them.

 

[Arsenikdote]

AR goggles like in the render? No way.

Do people really think that Apple is going to try to get into the gaming market? They have had so many opportunities, and they have not pursued it yet, I doubt they are going to now.

The only "headset" I see Apple launching is an AR headset which would help with everyday things, like displaying a HUD for navigation, notifications, etc...

Am I wrong here? If they are going to do VR, and they are not making the headset for gaming, what are they making it for?

 

[anthogag]

Yeah baby.

 

[darcyf]

I’m enjoying all the “nobody wants this” comments. Reminds me of so many other product rumours like the iPad and watch that slowly burned into massive successes, or the AirPods that were mocked for their design and went on to become iconic must-haves.

I have a feeling the first AR/VR sets won’t yet know what their killer feature or use case is. They’ll pitch it as one thing, but a few years in people will show the tech giants what these things are really for and the companies who adapt the quickest will rise to the top and dominate the industry.

 

[Jackalasonix]

I really want this to succeed but with Apple's absence from the gaming market I just don't know that they are going to have enough compelling software titles. This product will not sell based on "future availability" of titles, they need to be there at launch and there needs to be a bunch of them.

How are they absent? In comparison to FB Apple is much better/stronger positioned to move their mobile portfolio to VR/AR. Remember, games to oculus are basically android/mobile games.

 

[ForzaJuve]

I don’t believe it until I see blurry, clandestine pictures of the headset.

 

[AlexESP]

I’m enjoying all the “nobody wants this” comments. Reminds me of so many other product rumours like the iPad and watch that slowly burned into massive successes, or the AirPods that were mocked for their design and went on to become iconic must-haves.

I have a feeling the first AR/VR sets won’t yet know what their killer feature or use case is. They’ll pitch it as one thing, but a few years in people will show the tech giants what these things are really for and the companies who adapt the quickest will rise to the top and dominate the industry.

I don’t know how many times it has to happen. I can’t see how anyone with some imagination cannot the see the potential of this product.

 

[stocklen]

If this is anything over £1000 it wont sell.

I know, they price a stand for a monitor at nearly 1000 and dont blink...

But you cant price something like this at more than a mac... more than the top end iPad, or over double the cost of an iPhone pro.

Unless its a very niche product with application for some kind of design work or medical application or suchlike....

When the oculus quest 2 is £300 there wont be any competition at all.

 

[Diamond Dog]

At $3K, that prices out most consumers-- meaning most features will be geared towards enterprise, where I don't really see a current use-case for wide adoption.

On a personal note, if I am ever required to put on a ****ing AR/VR headset to attend a meeting, I'll quit my job on the spot lol.

 

[AlexESP]

I really want this to succeed but with Apple's absence from the gaming market I just don't know that they are going to have enough compelling software titles. This product will not sell based on "future availability" of titles, they need to be there at launch and there needs to be a bunch of them.

I know many people (myself included) associate gaming with AAA games, but the reality is that the App Store revenue beats PS+Xbox market. Apple is leading, not absent.

 

[icanhazmac]

How are they absent? In comparison to FB Apple is much better/stronger positioned to move their mobile portfolio to VR/AR. Remember, games to oculus are basically android/mobile games.

Are you willing to pay 3k to enjoy AR/VR versions of Apple Arcade games? I just don't see this device succeeding if that is what we have to look forward to.

Also, FB bought the platform, they did not have to / try to launch it by themselves.

 

[sdiori]

$3K is a non-starter; I’ll reserve judgement for concrete info.

 

[jz0309]

and this thing is for what?
Gaming? according to everyone on MR Apple sucks at gaming ...
media consumption? Apple is not going into the porn biz ...
meetings? Apple is a consumer company, not stronghold in biz ...

I see a lot of use cases in biz, but, as I said, Apple as a consumer company has no stronghold in enterprises, so, this thing will be a niche product ...

 

[jdavid_rp]

Any leaks of the controllers?

 

[PsykX]

I'm genuinely curious to see what it does, because I love tech, but I'm really wondering how they can make such a device a necessity like the iPhone. It has to be a solution to a problem and not just some flashy device. And if it's $2K, it will be a tiny niche market.

 

[iZac]

I’m still holding by my guns that this could in addition to acting as a stand-alone device, also be a secondary display for a Mac. If Apple can sell a 6K monitor for $5000, they could reasonably sell a 4K per eye headset for $2000 - $3000. I mean, you can also buy a 32" monitor for a few hundred bucks.

Just as not all monitors are created equal, not all VR headsets are either. No one is comparing the Oculus to a Varjo for instance.

 

[djcerla]

And here's the exact timeline:

1) huge hype from tech press
2) actual introduction and big disappointment
3) shares fall
4) takeoff
5) world changed
6) profit!

 

[icanhazmac]

I know many people (myself included) associate gaming with AAA games

Agreed

but the reality is that the App Store revenue beats PS+Xbox market. Apple is leading, not absent.

Agreed on revenue but again, do the majority of those titles have anything to offer the AR/VR space? Also, we are only seeing a headset, what about controllers that are equally important to the AR/VR experience.

 

[laptech]

Apple need to take a leaf out of Googles book when it comes to pricing. Google's original Google glasses failed because of it's projected price point $1,500, which along with other issues those glasses never made into full production. Even their latest glasses are priced $999 and they only market it to workplaces.

Apple's version will sell because there are always Apple fans who will purchase anything Apple produce but for the majority, anything over $1000 is a product killer in my opinion because there are already good alternatives out there and they are a lot lot cheaper.