Apple Headset's Capabilities Said to 'Far Exceed' Those of Rival Devices

[MacRumors]

The Wall Street Journal on Friday outlined what to expect from Apple's long-rumored AR/VR headset project, corroborating several details previously reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and The Information's Wayne Ma.

Apple headset mockup by designer Ian Zelbo​

The report indicates that Apple plans to unveil the headset at WWDC in June, and says many sessions at the conference will be related to developing software for the headset. However, the news outlet claims that mass production of the headset isn't expected to begin until September due to manufacturing delays. Apple is said to be "anticipating some production issues" with the headset, but there are no specific details.

The headset is expected to have an internal screen for virtual reality, while outward-facing cameras would allow users to view the real world inside the headset with augmented reality overlays. This combination is known as "mixed reality."

Other details corroborated by the report include the headset being "experimental" and "unconventional" relative to most other Apple products, costing around $3,000, and having a waist-mounted external battery pack. FaceTime, Apple Fitness+, and gaming could be three major use cases for the headset, the report adds.

While it remains to be seen what the headset's biggest selling point will be, its capabilities "far exceed those of competitors," according to some sources cited in the report. Apple's headset is said to offer "greater levels of performance and immersion" than some competing devices, like Facebook parent company Meta's Quest Pro headset.

WWDC begins with Apple's keynote on June 5, meaning that Apple's headset is likely just weeks away from finally being unveiled to the public.

Article Link: Apple Headset's Capabilities Said to 'Far Exceed' Those of Rival Devices

 

[eicca]

The cost far exceeds competitors too, but I’m not sure customers’ needs far exceed the current market offerings.

 

[asdfjkl;]

Not sure what the killer app for this will be. At that price a killer app will be mandatory.

 

[hch720]

Not buying a first gen product.

 

[antiprotest]

Not sure what the killer app for this will be. At that price a killer app will be mandatory.

Ultra realistic immersive prawn experiences. 🍤

 

[TonnyM]

I'm sure it will, we expect more from Apple than others.

 

[Corefile]

They need a killer app to make it successful but what is that? If you look at the other VR headsets they are usually novelty gifts on Christmas Day put in a drawer to never be reused.

 

[JOLoughlin]

At this point publications are just regurgitating what little they know & speculation based on existing products mixed with What-Would-Apple-Do? masquerading as reporting.

Unless an unprecedented leak happens, best to just wait and see at this point for them to tell their own story.

 

[Wildkraut]

The higher they fly, the harder they fall!

 

[icwhatudidthere]

Finally got my PSVR2 and going through the AR setup process was pretty cool even though I've used VR for years. The big question will be what software will be available. When I FaceTime people, it's because I want to see their face, not their avatar. And working out with a face hugging mask on doesn't sound appealing because of the sweat and any motion will move the headset around.

 

[CC77]

There are definitely some silly gooses around these forums who will buy it no matter what, but without a regular use case I don’t see how this will have widespread adoption. It’s not better for Facetime than the thing that’s already nearest you (phone/iPad). It’s not better for at-home fitness than a TV - who’s going to want to strap themselves into this thing and work out? There’s definitely a gaming potential in this category, but that would require, well, games, and Apple’s fumbled that bag so much in the past I don’t have a lot of faith.

 

[pianophile]

I don't want one, though, I didn't want an iPhone, Apple Watch, or iPad before they were launched, and own all three now.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

That’s great but still not worth $3000 USD in my opinion. I will only buy it and not return it if Tim Cook does the demonstration himself. 🤫🥽

 

[fbr$]

What's the point in extra high capabilities but with no compatibility with Xbox, Playstation, and with a very restricted App Store?

 

[turbineseaplane]

Kind of like how the Apple Silicon outperforms a lot of what’s out there - particularly on efficiency


But the one thing all that power can be really useful for is gaming, and Apple just falls apart on that front

 

[contacos]

I feel like Devs hardly bother to develop for specific devices / features anymore. Apple Watch, App Clips, Live Activities, iPad M1/2 capabilities come to mind so this will be interesting how it will go

 

[rjjacobson]

Not buying a first gen product.

Sounds like an expensive Alpha test buyin for those who want one to me not that I am into any VR devices personally. I would spend my 3 K on more powerful computing devices personally

 

[Realityck]

While it remains to be seen what the headset's biggest selling point will be, its capabilities "far exceed those of competitors," according to some sources cited in the report. Apple's headset is said to offer "greater levels of performance and immersion" than some competing devices, like Facebook parent company Meta's Quest Pro headset.

If it far exceeds the competition with still the question of what will be its biggest selling point, this should be amusing to see how Apple markets this as a product?

 

[rjjacobson]

They need a killer app to make it successful but what is that? If you look at the other VR headsets they are usually novelty gifts on Christmas Day put in a drawer to never be reused.

That is my experience with ones my grandkids have I seldom see them use them

 

[rjjacobson]

That’s great but still not worth $3000 USD in my opinion. I will only buy it and not return it if Tim Cook does the demonstration himself. 🤫🥽

I would put my $3K into a M3 Mac Pro or such or ipad 16 inch pro before I would ever waste my money on such a non interesting device @TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️ personally whether Tim Cook demos it or not. I have not ever liked any AV devices my grandkids have and see no personal use.

 

[HorstBockman]

Not sure what the killer app for this will be. At that price a killer app will be mandatory.

Multiple 4k virtual monitors that easily fit in a backpack and can be used while laying down would sell me.

 

[asdfjkl;]

Multiple 4k virtual monitors that easily fit in a backpack and can be used while laying down would sell me.

Glad that would be enough for you. $3K for basically a monitor is too much for me.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Does anybody still not think Apple AR Headset is not a bad idea?

 

[breather]

Would probably love to try this headset, but buy it? 3k is too much.

 

[asdfjkl;]

Does anybody still not think Apple AR Headset is not a bad idea?

I just don't see what this would actually be useful for. Reminds me of this spoof of Google Glass:

.