As Apple’s WWDC nears, respected industry analysts Ming-Chi Kuo has said he doesn’t expect the iPhone maker to announce its long-rumored mix reality headset during this year’s event, noting that mass production is likely still awhile away.
“It still takes some time before Apple AR/MR headset enters mass production, so I don’t think Apple will release AR/MR headset and rumored realityOS at WWDC this year,” said Kuo in a tweet on Tuesday. “Apple’s competitors worldwide can’t wait to see the hardware spec and OS design for Apple’s AR/MR headset.”
On Sunday we saw two separate trademark filings surface for “realityOS” – the name Apple will likely give the operating system that runs on the new headset when it officially releases.
The rumored new AR/VR device will reportedly feature two ultra-high-resolution 8K displays with a “bevy” of other features, including advanced eye-tracking technology and the ability to pass video of the real world through the visor and display it to the user, offering a “mixed-reality effect.” It will mark Apple’s first major new product launch since the original Apple Watch in October 2014.
Last year we saw The Information publish a sketch of the upcoming headset, claiming to have seen secret internal imagery from an unnamed source “with direct knowledge” of the development, reporting that the device will offer a “sleek, curved visor attached to the face by a mesh material and swappable headbands.”
Concept creator Ian Zelbo has released visuals showing what Apple’s new headset will probably look like based on earlier leaked information, featuring an Apple Watch-style adjustable headband and AirPods Max reminiscent mesh cushion for comfort around the wearer’s eyes.
Image: Ian Zelbo