Reports from the Heart of the Machine
Edit: Zenan
It was officially announced at the WWDC Apple Global Developer Conference as early as June this year.
As the metaverse concept heats up, Apple's mixed reality headset has become the most rumored product. In January 2022, not only the famous analyst Mingji Guo talked about it, but also the monitor supply chain analyst talked about it. In recent days, new information has been unearthed.
On Friday, a Bloomberg report noted that Apple had encountered challenges on AR/VR headsets due to overheated temperatures, camera and software challenges, which could lead the company to delay plans to launch mixed reality headsets this year.
As a highly integrated technology company, Apple usually charges higher fees on products than others to lock in profits, which makes it the most profitable consumer electronics company in history. The new headset should be no exception, but the company discusses the $2,000 or more priced largely because of the technology it uses internally.
In Bloomberg's News Letter, Mark Gurman noted that Apple may use the M1 Pro chip or similar to develop new AR/VR headsets.
Both Gurman and Kuo said they expect Apple's headset to include two processors, one of which is comparable to the performance of the M1 Pro in the MacBook Pro. The chip will be connected to the Ultra HD 8K screen, with more than one screen, but also a replaceable lens module and advanced audio technology, which will increase the cost. And don't forget that Apple needs to recoup its annual research and development expenses.
Gurman believes that the chip inside Apple's VR glasses will be comparable to the performance of the M1 Pro. The main reason for using M1 Pro instead of M1 is not CPU speed, but the need for more advanced graphics. As you probably know, the M1 has an octa-core GPU, while the M1 Pro has 14 to 16 graphics cores.
Virtual reality headsets require higher computing power than mobile phones, and a pair of AR glasses requires at least six to eight optical modules to provide users with instant and continuous AR video capabilities. In contrast, an iPhone only needs to carry up to three optical modules running simultaneously, and does not require continuous computation.
In an earlier DSCC paper, analysts argued that Apple's mixed reality headsets would feature an "innovative three-monitor configuration" featuring two Micro OLED 4K displays and another AMOLED panel for low-resolution peripheral vision. Not only that, but it may also include a powerful mobile CPU and GPU in the glasses.
Sony is expected to become a Micro OLED supplier with a 1.4-inch 4K display. For now, it looks like the first-generation headset will be a high-end device for professionals and developers aimed at expanding Apple's ecosystem in the AR/VR space. Rumored, the device will also be equipped with multiple cameras that support hand tracking and possibly a LiDAR sensor.
Apple's headsets will focus on gaming, consumer streaming programs and remote interactions.
Gaming should be an important area for this machine's application, especially considering that it will have multiple processors, a fan, an extremely high-resolution display, and its own independent app store. First, Apple will position the device as the ultimate goal for game developers. This is followed by video programming, where Apple expects to work with media partners to create content that can be viewed in VR on devices. In terms of communications, Apple will look for experiences similar to Animojis and VR FaceTime to build a new era of Zoom.
Analysts expect that the glasses will be able to run without a phone nearby thanks to the high-power chip, which will be one of its biggest selling points. An AR headset that works independently also means it will have its own ecosystem and provide a complete and flexible user experience.
Guo Mingxi believes that the weight of Apple's first-generation headset will be between 300-400 grams, which is much lighter than the existing VR headsets on the market.
Finally, how will Apple headsets be named? Mark Gurman believes that Apple Vision is the most likely name.