Apple is reportedly not interested in following Meta into the metaverse when their upcoming VR headset is launched.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says in the most recent issue of his Power On newsletter that he's been told "pretty directly" that the concept of a "metaverse" is "off limits" internally at Apple. This, of course, is in sharp contrast to the strategies of firms such as Facebook (now Meta).
Instead, Apple is reported to be working on a mixed reality headset that will be used for "bursts of gaming, communication, and content consumption," but it will not be an "all-day device."
From gaming and pleasure to work and education, mixed reality headsets have been heralded as the next great thing in computing. Apple is supposedly headed in the opposite direction, while some tech companies are leaning towards allowing consumers to spend longer periods of time in their headsets.
As of now, Apple is rumored to be ready to release its first headset by the end of 2022, but only in very restricted quantities. It's thought to have a curved visor with AirPods Max-style padding and bands similar to Apple Watch athletic bands, according to reports.
It is also expected to use lightweight materials, include an M1-level computing system for high-end applications and development, and employ a secondary processor to handle sensor tracking. These sensors could include a LiDAR system that tracks the user's hands without the need for a controller, however, controllers could still be employed for more precise control.
It is believed to have a high-tech design with a novel three-display arrangement. It is also believed to cost more than the competition, with a rumored price of around $3,000.
According to initial rumors, you may need an Apple iPhone to enjoy the VR headset, but it appears that this will be the same as with any other Apple device: the experience is better with an iPhone, but it is not required.
An Apple analyst with an impressive track record of foreseeing what the company has on the way, Ming-Chi Kuo, has predicted the Apple AR headset will arrive near the end of 2022 and will be powered by two processors: one for "sensor-related computing" and the other for everything else, both of which "will have similar computing power as the M1 for Mac."
According to a Kuo investor note published in November, the new device is also expected to include Wi-Fi 6E to provide better bandwidth and reduced latency connectivity.
This year could be the year when Apple's mixed reality headset goes on sale, although there have been rumors for a while about potential production delays affecting the launch.
