Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Apple Supplier to Ship Lenses for AR/VR Headset as Soon as February

MacRumors

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
69,476
40,587


An Apple supplier is preparing to begin shipments of lenses to be used in Apple's upcoming AR/VR headset, according to a report today by DigiTimes.

apple-ar-headset-concept-1.jpeg

Concept render based on purported leaked information by Ian Zelbo​

The report states that Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO) will supply lens modules for Apple's upcoming headset, rumored to be called "Reality Pro," with shipments starting as soon as next month.
Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO) will supply lens modules for VR head-mounted devices, to be launched by Apple in 2023, with shipments to begin in February-March 2023, according to GSEO's supply chain makers.
Click to expand...
Apple has been working on its AR/VR headset for several years, with a launch expected to take place this year. A timeline set forth by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that Apple will reveal the headset prior to WWDC, which takes place in June. At WWDC, Apple will detail its new xrOS operating system and introduce developers to its new capabilities before shipping the headset in the fall.

It is widely expected that Apple's first AR/VR product will be a high-end niche product aimed at developers and professionals. Several advanced technologies are rumored to be included in the headset, including over a dozen cameras to capture and translate real-world movements to virtual movements, two 4K micro-LED displays, iris scanning, facial expression tracking, powerful Apple silicon chips, and more.

The advanced nature of the headset will likely make it expensive, with rumors suggesting a price somewhere around $3,000. The headset will be Apple's first entry into a new AR/VR market and is just the start of Apple's roadmap. A new report this week said that Apple is working on a lighter, more affordable version of the headset while its augmented reality glasses face an indefinite delay.

Article Link: Apple Supplier to Ship Lenses for AR/VR Headset as Soon as February
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2023/01/19/apple-headset-shipments-lens/
Last edited:
I wonder what insanely priced add-ons Apple will sell for the Reality Pro...

Nano-textured lens finish ($499)?
Tabletop stand with hook for hanging goggles when not in use ($749)?
Height adjustable tabletop stand with hook for hanging goggles when not in use ($999)?
Soft storage bag, made from upcycled Apple Polishing Cloths ($199)?

;-)
 
  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: Twelvethirtythree, uberzephyr, Pezimak and 1 other person
By its pricing it would seem to be targeting the same audience as something like Microsoft's HoloLens... so AR development in industrial implementations, or medical imaging and training rather than at a consumer level... at least I hope so otherwise that pricing is insane.
 
MJaP said:
By its pricing it would seem to be targeting the same audience as something like Microsoft's HoloLens... so AR development in industrial implementations, or medical imaging and training rather than at a consumer level... at least I hope so otherwise that pricing is insane.
Click to expand...

Does Apple have a strong presence in these fields with a significant Mac install base?

It makes sense that a $3k niche product would not be aimed at consumers, but I'd assume that unless you're already running Macs, there's no reason to deploy an Apple AR/VR headset if you have to change your existing IT, unless it's truly and entirely game changing technology.
 
Nobody knows the concept, but everybody seems to know this will be a huge hit while Apple is trying to get it's HomePods running.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pezimak
d686546s said:
It makes sense that a $3k niche product would not be aimed at consumers, but I'd assume that unless you're already running Macs, there's no reason to deploy an Apple AR/VR headset if you have to change your existing IT, unless it's truly and entirely game changing technology.
Click to expand...
I'm pretty sure the headset will be a stand alone device so you won't need to be a mac user or change your existing IT to use it. I know plenty of windows users who own iphones. I also think apple thinks their entry into AR / VR will be truly and entirely game changing. And I hope so too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dullydude, DelayedGratificationGene and llealloo
MacRumors said:
An Apple supplier is looking to begin shipments of lenses to be used in Apple's upcoming AR/VR headset as soon as next month, according to a report today by DigiTimes.

The advanced nature of the headset will cause a costly price tag, with rumors suggesting a price somewhere around $3,000. The headset will be Apple's first entry into a new AR/VR market and is just the start of Apple's roadmap.
Click to expand...
Hmmm $3000 thats always the price most disdained around here when coming out with a new accessory. Maybe half that might succeed better.
 
JamonBull said:
I have no interest in this product, but I'm really looking forward to it coming out so I don't have to see these mockups ever again.
Click to expand...

Oh I so agree, it’s literally like the artist took a ski mask and swimming goggles and merged them together, yeah of course it’ll have a cheap stretchy rubber band to go round your head…
 
  • Like
Reactions: JamonBull
lovehateapple said:
I'm pretty sure the headset will be a stand alone device so you won't need to be a mac user or change your existing IT to use it. I know plenty of windows users who own iphones. I also think apple thinks their entry into AR / VR will be truly and entirely game changing. And I hope so too.
Click to expand...

So now would developers use their professional Windows AR and VR apps on it then? Or do you believe Apple thinks they’ll port the programmes to it, or start from scratch writing them again for the device? Remember we aren’t talking consumers here.
 
I guarantee that as soon as Apple start shipping these that hundreds of factories in China will be making standard ski goggles in the exact same style.
 
Initially one headset for each family which of course quickly turning into one for each family member. Commercially? How about each employee? That’s just the hardware part. How about the AR App Store…etc? Man we’re talking ALOT of revenue.
 
Perfect timing to release AR too….the world emerging from the shackles and exhaustion of the pandemic ready for a new paradigm
 
Last edited:
I’m not one to buy into the hype of a VR headset and/or xrOS. But I hope it is successful and I’ll be on the sidelines looking to see if it is a success or a flop. But no way I’m spending $3000 on a first gen apple product. Early adopters aka beta testers can debug it for the rest of us.
 
Seems like things are lining up for a WWDC reveal. Still wondering what the experience is they have in mind that'll change what we've seen for VR / AR so far, but that is something Apple does good at.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DelayedGratificationGene
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back