With only a couple of hours to go until Apple kicks off WWDC23, where the iPhone maker is expected to unveil its long-rumored AR/VR mixed-reality headset, a last-minute rumor is claiming that the new device could start at $1,999, lower than previously expected.
The rumor, which should be taken with a grain of salt, contradicts all previous reports that have suggested that the headset will be priced around $3,000, way above the price of competing devices that start from $300.
The rumor (via MacRumors) picked up by news aggregator account “yeux1122” on the Korean Naver blog says “The Apple Reality Pro AR/VR model has several options, and there are rumors that the factory price will start at $1,999.”
According to the report, Apple is planning future demos through the summer. When it shows off the device today, the iPhone maker will focus on immersive FaceTime in VR, Apple TV+ content and gaming.
Apple’s AR/VR headset has long been rumored, with it understood that the device will feature an “unconventional curved design” made of a thin piece of curved glass.
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