Looks like we might have to wait just a little while longer for the company’s combination VR/AR headset.
According to a new report by Bloomberg, Apple’s long-rumored VR/AR headset could be delayed until 2023 due to a combination of technical issues, citing “people familiar with the situation.” Sources claim the device was scheduled to be announced during the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June followed by an official launch later this year. Recent setbacks, however, may force the company to push the reveal back several months.
We first received word of a potential mixed reality headset in development at Apple back in 2018. Since then we’ve heard reports claiming the combination VR/AR device will feature everything from dual ultra high definition 8K displays with built-in eye-tracking technology, 12 cameras capable of supporting hand-tracking, swappable headbands, and a multitude of controller options.
According to Bloomberg’s sources, the headset has been in development since 2015 and is intended to replace the iPhone over the next 10 years. Unfortunately, it sounds as though consumers may have to wait until next year to get their hands on this highly-anticipated device. These same sources claim the company is looking to prep vendors for an early 2023 launch with next year’s developer conference supposedly focusing on VR and AR apps for the headset.
The company is also said to be working on a more advanced pair of dedicated AR glasses, which will supposedly release sometime after the mixed reality device. This past April, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that AR will be “critically important” for the company moving forward, saying, “I’m already seeing AR take off in some of these areas with use of the phone. And I think the promise is even greater in the future.”
The upcoming iOS 16 update will reportedly lay the groundwork for the upcoming launch of the mixed reality headset, which means an official reveal could be imminent. Codenamed “Sydney,” the latest update is expected to arrive on iOS devices this June.
While Apple seems committed to VR/AR technology, the company has little to no interest in establishing its own metaverse and will instead focus its attention on delivering high-quality “bursts” of content. Since Facebook announced its switch to Meta, we’ve seen numerous companies, organizations, and public figures express their interest in the growing metaverse scene. That said, it appears as though Apple will remain out of the conversation.. for now.
Feature Image Credit: Apple
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