Apple’s Rumored Mixed Reality Headset: Expert Assesses Potential
Apple’s potential release of a mixed reality headset has caused excitement among XR professionals. Jan-Keno Janssen, an expert for XR headsets at Heise, believes that Apple’s first headset, allegedly called Reality Pro, could be a “best-of headset regardless of the price.” However, Janssen doubts that Apple has found the “Egg of Columbus” when it comes to innovation in the industry.
Apple meets essential requirements for entering the market. Its in-house M2 chip boasts low energy consumption and can easily operate two 4K displays. Furthermore, the App Store for iPhone and iPad already provides a vast software library, including ARKit, a toolbox for developing augmented reality apps. Apps developed using ARKit can be used seamlessly on the new hardware.
When it comes to hardware, Janssen sees various ways for Apple to stand out from competitors. Perfectly representing the surrounding environment through outdoor cameras would be a distinct feature. Apple could also focus on weight and pupil tracking to provide a superior experience for users. Ultimately, the question remains whether Apple can make mixed reality appealing and accessible to a broader audience.
While a headset for entertainment purposes already exists in the market, Apple may focus on the work sector to attract users. The expert believes that the first release will primarily target developers to build the platform, similar to Meta’s Quest Pro series. However, the Meta Quest 3 has been designed for consumers with a significantly lower price point compared to the Pro series.
The mass suitability of mixed reality technology is still uncertain, but industry observers hold hope for Apple’s reputation for introducing new hardware products. Regardless, Apple must give users a compelling reason to use its headset over other devices on the market.
