First Apple Mixed Reality Headset Rumored to Focus on Gaming, Media, and Communication

[MacRumors]

Apple's rumored augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headset will focus on gaming, media consumption, and communication, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Concept render of Apple's rumored AR headset by Antonio De Rosa​

Gurman, who often reveals accurate insights into Apple's plans, outlined the broad use-cases that users can expect from the company's mixed reality headset in his weekly "Power On" newsletter.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently explained that Apple is preparing to position its headset to be capable of replacing the iPhone in 10 years, but Gurman today clarified that the first-generation version of the device will not be a Mac, iPhone or iPad replacement from the start.

Instead, Gurman believes that the headset will focus on three "killer" features: gaming, media consumption, and communication.

Gaming should be a strong focus of the machine, especially given that it will have multiple processors, a fan, extremely high resolution displays and its own App Store. Look for Apple to position the device as a dream for game developers. Next, media consumption. I expect Apple to work with media partners to create content that can be watched in VR on the device. Third, communications. Look for Animojis and a VR FaceTime-like experience to be the new-age Zoom.

A large number of details about the headset's hardware and specifications have now been reported, with the device rumored to feature a lightweight design, two main processors, two 4K micro LED displays, 15 optical modules, eye-tracking, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and more. Apple has filed a number of patents related to the device's potential software and while it is expected to feature a see-through AR mode, the anticipated software features Gurman outlined today are among the limited number of rumors around the device's functionality.

With Apple's mixed reality headset now "approaching liftoff," according to Morgan Stanley analysts, Kuo believes that the device will begin mass production in the second quarter of 2022 and launch in the fourth quarter of 2022. For more information about the Apple's AR and VR plans, see our detailed roundup that outlines everything rumors and leaks say we can expect.

Article Link: First Apple Mixed Reality Headset Rumored to Focus on Gaming, Media, and Communication

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I feel like Gurman had nothing better to do today so he decided to make things up.

So I guess the target market is going to be the kids?

Is there even a big demand for it? Who said it’s coming to replace the iPhone 😂

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

I mean… yeah.
What else would they focus on?
Also honest question here.
I’m a completely blind Apple user.
Every device of there’s, from the iPhone and iPad to the Mac to the Watch to the Apple TV and even the HomePod are extremely accessible, the leaders in their field.
If these glasses are truly the iPhone killer, how is Apple going to sell these things to someone like me?
How do you make Apple Glass a fully accessible product like an iPhone or a Mac

 

[FaustsHausUK]

For those of us who don’t like voice control, nor want a vision-restricting gizmo strapped to our faces, how exactly will this replace the iPhone?

 

[terminator-jq]

Apple fan or not, it will be very interesting to see how Apple plans to deliver this thing. The Apple glasses will no doubt be a hit but this mixed reality headset sounds like a tougher sale…

Gaming, media and communication sounds great in theory but let’s face it, there are several high end VR headsets out there for under $1000 (this Apple headset is rumored to be $2000+) and they have a much better ecosystem. PS5 VR will no doubt be $500, the next VR headset from Meta will no doubt be under $1000.

If Apple plans to charge this much they will need to do something groundbreaking. I’m skeptical but definitely looking forward to it. Especially as a developer.

Edit: it will also be interesting to see what happens to the mixed reality headset when the more streamlined Apple Glasses come out. Will they be merged into a single product or will Apple try to support both separately? Interesting times ahead.

 

[Yvan256]

“Some people say, "Give the customers what they want." But that's not my approach. Our job is to figure out what they're going to want before they do. I think Henry Ford once said, "If I'd asked customers what they wanted, they would have told me, 'A faster horse!'" People don't know what they want until you show it to them. That's why I never rely on market research. Our task is to read things that are not yet on the page.” ― Steve Jobs

After experiencing a few AR demos through my iPhone SE 2, as well as playing games on a PS4/PS VR setup, I can't wait to see what the future is going to be. I see a lot more potential for AR glasses than phones, tablets and watches. AR glasses are the only thing that do not require to be held with your hand(s) and have a huge display area that also doesn't require you to lose focus of what's around you. It's the merging of the digital world on top of the real physical world.

This rumoured headset, while expensive, is only the first step, like the first iPhone. Compare that first iPhone to what we have today. The future is coming a lot faster than most people think.

 

[alexjholland]

Imagine my surprise.

What else would you use it for?

 

[A MacBook lover]

This thing will be groundbreaking.

4K pass through. You won’t be looking at the world with your eyes anymore, instead you’ll be viewing them through a a camera with augmented reality layer!

 

[jz0309]

gaming, media consumption, communications = "killer" features? LMAO.

Tech looking for a user case ...

Now, wearable computing has its use cases in business, eg remote diagnostics, inspection and such, would be great for that, but, for consumers, gaming, yes, nmmot arguing, but media and comm? for nerds, sure, but for the "average" consumer, not so much ... and if history will prove me wrong in 10 years ...

 

[anthogag]

Yeah baby. I will look cool wearing these goggles with my AirPods Max.

 

[Yvan256]

Also honest question here. I’m a completely blind Apple user.

If these glasses are truly the iPhone killer, how is Apple going to sell these things to someone like me?
How do you make Apple Glass a fully accessible product like an iPhone or a Mac

Knowing Apple, I bet they could potentially help you in some ways I can't think about right now. Think "A.I.-powered artificial eyesight", I'm just not sure how information could be given to you apart from audio feedback and voice messages.

This thing will be groundbreaking.

4K pass through. You won’t be looking at the world with your eyes anymore, instead you’ll be viewing them through a a camera with augmented reality layer!

Hopefully they're talking about actual see-through 4K displays, otherwise the potential lag between what you see and what's happening could be disorienting/nauseating, even if you're not aware of it. It could be okay for something like a headset that you're not supposed to wear and walk around with all day long, but for the future Apple glasses that's going to be pretty much a requirement.

 

[MayaUser]

How do you make Apple Glass a fully accessible product like an iPhone or a Mac

Apple glasses and macs are almost at the same price target
So..

 

[cupcakes2000]

“

First Apple Mixed Reality Headset Rumored to Focus on Gaming, Media, and Communication​

”

Yeah. no sh*t. Talk about vague. At this point, anyone could have said that.

 

[Yvan256]

gaming, media consumption, communications = "killer" features? LMAO.

Tech looking for a user case ...

Now, wearable computing has its use cases in business, eg remote diagnostics, inspection and such, would be great for that, but, for consumers, gaming, yes, I'm not arguing, but media and comm? for nerds, sure, but for the "average" consumer, not so much ... and if history will prove me wrong in 10 years ...

Nerds told people in the 1980's that everyone would have a computer in their house in the future.
Techies told people in the 1990's that everyone would be using the Internet in the future.
Prosumers told people in the 2000's that everyone would have a cellphone in the future.
Most people have been using technology since the 2010's and here we are at the end of 2021, where there's no such thing as average consumers not using cutting-edge technologies anymore.

If the technology cycle is roughly the same then it means basically everyone will be wearing AR glasses by 2031~2041 and people without a pair will be seen the same way as someone without a smartphone in 2021.

 

[JippaLippa]

I don't get it...
If you don't want to have anything to do with this AR fad you won't have an equivalent to a smarthpone?
I get smartphones evolving, perhaps becoming more similar to smart watches, but still...

I'm also worried about the future of relationships.
Imagine a date between 2 persons wearing VR headsets in a cafe...
On the other hand, the creepy normalization of interacting with virtual custom made digital avatars will be well on its way in 10 years, therefore having a romantic dinner or other "activities" with a digital avatar that's custom made will be normal.

My nephew was born a few weeks ago and I already know he'll probably have his first romantic experiences with a digital avatar in a VR headset.
Hugely depressing, but I guess every one is a product of his or her time.
I'm the computer generation, that's becoming obsolete as a concept now, and mg grandmother didn't understand how I spent 60% of my life using the computer.

We'll see.

 

[DeepIn2U]

I feel like Gurman had nothing better to do today so he decided to make things up.

I’ll agree Mark has been talking this AR glasses for years alway saying release date yet never happening. This is like he’s advertising for Apple and I dislike this from him, even if it’s just my perception.

 

[scotty321]

Omg, Bloomberg is absolutely ridiculous. Always trying to pump up Apple’s stock price instead of reporting honestly. An iPhone killer in 10 years? Um, how about no. In what alternate universe do they think that billions of people will voluntarily walk around with devices strapped to their faces? There MIGHT be a market selling these to kids to play games. That’s about it. If that succeeds (and that remains to be seen), then the economic impact of this device will be no greater than the economic impact of a gaming device like the PlayStation.

 

[Mr. Dee]

Well, lets me honest, Apple has not had a G4 Cube, iPod Hi-Fi or trash can Mac Pro type dud in years. So, maybe this is the next one.

 

[entropys]

A big difference between fashionable glasses and a VR headset. A very big difference.

 

[diamornte]

I feel like Gurman had nothing better to do today so he decided to make things up.

So I guess the target market is going to be the kids?

Is there even a big demand for it? Who said it’s coming to replace the iPhone ?

So many commenters with no vision or imagination. Is there a big demand for it? Was there a big demand for iPhone 1 before it came out?

 

[Macintosh TV]

So, the same things most of their devices focus on. Got it.

 

[incoherent_1]

gaming, media consumption, communications = "killer" features? LMAO.

Tech looking for a user case ...

Now, wearable computing has its use cases in business, eg remote diagnostics, inspection and such, would be great for that, but, for consumers, gaming, yes, nmmot arguing, but media and comm? for nerds, sure, but for the "average" consumer, not so much ... and if history will prove me wrong in 10 years ...

I could get on board with media consumption. Would much rather watch a movie in full immersion than squinting on a tiny seat-back screen on a plane.

 

[Cosmosent]

Apple gets 70% of its App Store Revenue from Game Apps, & that 70% comes from less than 10% of ALL App Store consumers.

As such, makes perfect sense that Apple would target gaming first, in-large-part, so they don't lose that 10% to Meta's AR Headset !

Would be a very BIG deal if they did !

Meta has the clear Pole Position right now !

Zuck is obsessed with it, & in Engineering, that is a very good thing !

Do you remember the early days of Apple ? it was NO different !

Gaming options should be similar from both Apple & Meta.

It's Media where it could be different, BIG time !

I suspect Meta will allow Porn AR, while Apple won't.

And here, this could be the deciding factor that determines who wins in the end.

IMO, Apple could win in Education & with Medical, while Meta wins overall, with their Porn position !

Make NO mistake, the internet had its early success in Porn !

I have NO idea what an AR Porn App may look like, but can ONLY image, & I suspect alot of people will investigate it when it goes Live, which "could" tilt things in Meta's favor ... time will tell.

Meanwhile, Back on the Farm, still NO mention of the Dec 9th App Store change from macrumors.com ... very puzzled as to why ! ... anybody know ?

We live in exciting times ... the App Store is about to be Broken Up, & NON-Game Apps will have, for the first time ever, a chance to Blossom ! ... remember, Tim's Apple is obsessed with Game Apps ! ... maybe they're doing that because they know what's about to hit them !

 

[fontman]

Apple's rumored augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headset will focus on gaming, media consumption, and communication, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Concept render of Apple's rumored AR headset by https://www.macrumors.com/2021/02/10/apple-mixed-reality-headset-renders/Antonio De Rosa​

Gurman, who often reveals accurate insights into Apple's plans, outlined the broad use-cases that users can expect from the company's mixed reality headset in his weekly "Power On" newsletter.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently explained that Apple is preparing to position its headset to be capable of replacing the iPhone in 10 years, but Gurman today clarified that the first-generation version of the device will not be a Mac, iPhone or iPad replacement from the start.

Instead, Gurman believes that the headset will focus on three "killer" features: gaming, media consumption, and communication.

A large number of details about the headset's hardware and specifications have now been reported, with the device rumored to feature a lightweight design, two main processors, two 4K micro LED displays, 15 optical modules, eye-tracking, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and more. Apple has filed a number of patents related to the device's potential software and while it is expected to feature a see-through AR mode, the anticipated software features Gurman outlined today are among the limited number of rumors around the device's functionality.

With Apple's mixed reality headset now "approaching liftoff," according to Morgan Stanley analysts, Kuo believes that the device will begin mass production in the second quarter of 2022 and launch in the fourth quarter of 2022. For more information about the Apple's AR and VR plans, see our detailed roundup that outlines everything rumors and leaks say we can expect.

Article Link: First Apple Mixed Reality Headset Rumored to Focus on Gaming, Media, and Communication

The Matrix is Here Beware !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cosmosent]

Omg, Bloomberg is absolutely ridiculous. Always trying to pump up Apple’s stock price instead of reporting honestly. An iPhone killer in 10 years? Um, how about no. In what alternate universe do they think that billions of people will voluntarily walk around with devices strapped to their faces? There MIGHT be a market selling these to kids to play games. That’s about it. If that succeeds (and that remains to be seen), then the economic impact of this device will be no greater than the economic impact of a gaming device like the PlayStation.

iPhone killer, NO way !

NOT even close !

10-15% of Apple consumers "may" be interested, the rest NOT so.

That's how this App Dev sees it !