Detailed report outlines Apple AR/VR headset design, ~$3,000 price point, prototype issues, more

A new report by The Information has outlined some new details about Apple’s long-rumored mixed-reality AR/VR headset, which is expected to be unveiled next week at WWDC23.

According to the report, the new Apple mixed-reality headset will feature an “unconventional curved design” made of a thin piece of curved glass on the front, with the device having a small dial above the right eye to allow users to transition between augmented and virtual reality, and a power button located above the left eye.

The device is said to have a round connector that looks similar to an Apple Watch charger attaches to the headset’s left temple and runs down via a cable to a waist-mounted battery pack. With the headset’s headband is primarily made of a soft material and attached to two short, hard temples which also contain the left and right speakers.

The report, which relays alleged information obtained through leaked renders, claims that a soft, removable cover attaches to the back of the headset for comfort against the wearer’s face. The device’s glass front is said to wrap around a smooth aluminum frame that will be slightly thicker than an iPhone.”

The thin profile requires users who wear glasses to buy prescription lenses that magnetically clip into the headset, reports The Information.

Image: Ian Zelbo

Corroborating other reports, The Information claims that the headset will be priced around $3,000, with Apple suppliers likely to produce around 250,000 units before the end of the year.

The report claims that Apple has struggled to build prototype headsets due to its complicated design. While mass production of the headset has not yet begun, it is understood that the headset underwent design validation testing, where it reportedly remained for an unusually long period compared to other products, such as the iPhone and Apple Watch.

In 2021 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