Apple's Mixed Reality headset does not have a launch date yet but fresh details painting a clearer picture of the device have surfaced. The mixed-reality headset will mark the launch of a new product category for Apple. The development of the headset has been going on for years with multiple delays. Back in December, an insider revealed that the headset may launch in the second half of 2023.
The new details, which can be described as unheard of, have been gathered from interviews with multiple folks who have worked on the device, according to The Information (via MacRumors). They cover the design, specifications, as well as possible pricing for the upcoming headset. The source also confirms previously reported details of the headset from other publications.
Apple's Headset Will Have Three Chips
Apple's headset is reported to have a dial akin to the Digital Crown of the Apple Watch and AirPods Max but won't have haptic feedback. The dial will be on the right side of the device and can be used to easily switch “between virtual reality and physical world.” The source also mentions that Apple has abandoned its plans to make the headband of the headset interchangeable as it now serves as a “conduit for power.” This means users won't be able to swap the headbands like they swap the bands of their smartwatches.
Apple's headset will support prescription glasses, and they will attach via magnets. Furthermore, users wouldn't need to manually adjust the lenses of the headset as the headset will automatically match the user's interpupillary distance with the aid of small motors. The headset will have a 120-degree field of view (FOV) which is higher than the 106-degree FOV of the Meta Quest Pro. Apple's MR headset will have three chips. Apart from the main chip which includes the CPU and GPU, there will be a dedicated ISP whose function is to convert contorted images captured by the external cameras into a clearer video with low latency.
The chip will be built on a 5nm processor like the main SoC and will have custom high-bandwidth memory manufactured by SK Hynix. The two chips will communicate via a proprietary custom streaming codec to eliminate latency. In addition to these two chips is the H2 Chip present in the AirPods Pro 2. Previously reported information confirmed by the source includes a large front-facing display that will show the facial expression of the user to those around them as a way to reduce the feeling of isolation when the device is in use. This display will have an ultra-low refresh rate and low power consumption, functioning just like the always-on display of the iPhone 14 Pro.
It also mentions the device will have two Micro OLED displays supplied by Sony, each with a 4K resolution. The headset will have several cameras for tracking facial expressions and motion, and sensors including short- and long-range LiDAR scanners for mapping surroundings. With respect to pricing, it has been reported that Apple has discussed a price tag of about $3,000 or higher depending on the storage configuration. If this is true, Apple's mixed-reality headset will be selling for double the price of the Meta Quest Pro.
Source: The Information, MacRumors