Due to a combination of technical issues, Apple's long-rumored VR/AR headset may be delayed until 2023. The report quoted people familiar with Apple's plans as saying that the device was originally scheduled to be announced during WWDC in June 2022 and then officially released later this year. However, recent development issues may have forced Apple to postpone the launch of vr/AR headsets.
The VR/AR headset is said to come with dual Ultra HD 8K displays including built-in eye-tracking technology, 12 cameras capable of supporting hand tracking, a replaceable headband, and numerous controller options. But there is currently an overheating problem, as well as challenges in terms of cameras and software. Rumor has it that the headset has two chips, flat and at least one of which is comparable to the M1 Pro of the latest MacBook Pro model. The thermal demand for the chip is thought to be the cause of the overheating problem.
According to Bloomberg, this headset has been in development since 2015 and aims to replace the iPhone in the next 10 years. The company is looking to get vendors ready for a launch in early 2023, and next year's developer conference will supposedly focus on VR and AR applications for headsets.
It is reported that the company is also developing a more advanced pair of dedicated AR glasses, which is said to be online sometime after the release of VR/AR headsets. The upcoming iOS 16 update will reportedly lay the groundwork for the upcoming VR/AR headset, which means an official announcement may be coming soon. The latest update, code-named "Sydney," is expected to land on iOS devices in June this year.
Apple had considered pricing the device at more than $2,000, and the device's display, chip and audio technology is more advanced than its competitors. While Apple seems committed to VR/AR technology, the company has little interest in building its own virtual world, focusing instead focusing on delivering high-quality burst content.