The Wall Street Journal has recently shed light on what can be expected from Apple’s AR/VR headset, confirming several details previously revealed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and The Information‘s Wayne Ma. Slated for an unveiling at the WWDC in June, the device is reported to be the focal point of numerous conference sessions dedicated to software development for the headset. However, the report indicates that potential manufacturing delays could push mass production back to September.
The headset is purported to feature an internal screen for virtual reality, while outward-facing cameras could allow users to experience the real world with augmented reality overlays, creating a “mixed reality” experience. The device is considered “experimental” and “unconventional” compared to most other Apple products, carrying a price tag of around $3,000 and equipped with a waist-mounted external battery pack.
With FaceTime, Apple Fitness+, and gaming as potential major use cases, the headset’s main selling point remains to be seen. However, it’s claimed to offer “greater levels of performance and immersion” than competitors, including Facebook parent company Meta’s Quest Pro headset. This suggests the headset’s capabilities may “far exceed those of competitors”.
As WWDC kicks off with Apple’s keynote on June 5, the unveiling of the highly-anticipated Apple headset seems imminent.