Apple is expected to launch its first VR/AR device later this year after showing it off at the WWDC 2023 event next month. According to the leaked information, Apple tested the Samsung Gear VR and HTC Vive models for the Reality Pro device.
Apple Reality Pro model may disappoint
According to Bloomberg’s report, Apple used a variety of VR devices in its early experiments, including Samsung’s Gear VR and HTC Vive. The report states that Apple’s initial plan is to launch an unobtrusive VR/AR device that can be worn all day.
Among the leaked information is that Tim Cook did not take any steps regarding the design of the device and only attended important meetings related to the product. Stating that this situation disappointed Apple employees, analysts, Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies, Johny Srouji, stated that he approached the device with suspicion.
One of the most important developments of the WWDC 2023 conference to be held this year is seen as Apple’s mixed reality platform. In the report published by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, there are some technical problems with the device, which is expected to be introduced in March.
It is stated that many executives in the company believe that the developed device will have the opportunity to replace the iPhone in a few years. It is among the leaked information that the device, which is stated to be introduced in June, will be available for sale in the last quarter of 2023.
It is stated that Apple VR and mixed reality headsets can work without the need for any main device thanks to the developed processor. Analysts speculate that the devices can also handle things like iCloud syncing.
The company originally had a target of selling 3 million units in the first year after launch, but this target has been reduced to 900,000 units. Craig Federighi, Head of Software Engineering at Apple, is allegedly wary of the product.
The leaked details about the Apple mixed reality headset are as follows:
- It will come with a waist-mounted battery that attaches to the headset’s headband via a magnetic, MagSafe-like power cable. Users will be able to replace the battery for longer use.
- It will feature a design that uses aluminum, glass and carbon fiber to reduce its size and weight. The cameras will be largely hidden for aesthetic reasons.
- A small Digital Crown-like dial will be used on its right side, allowing users to quickly switch between the virtual and physical world. Unlike the Apple Watch, it won’t offer haptic feedback.
- Apple will offer different headbands, including one for consumers and one aimed at developers, in a material similar to Apple Watch sports straps with built-in speakers.
- Special prescription glasses that can be attached magnetically can be used for glasses wearers.
- Small motors that automatically adjust their built-in lenses to match the wearer’s interpupillary distance will provide the widest possible field of view for each individual.
- Like the Valve Index, it will offer a 120-degree field of view.
- The H2 chip will be used for ultra-low latency connectivity with second-generation AirPods Pro and future AirPods models.
- It will be introduced with two chips, including a CPU, a main SoC with GPU and memory, and a dedicated video signal processor. Chips produced with 5nm technology indicate that the headset is missing the advances expected to come to other Apple chips this year.
- The dedicated ISP will include proprietary high-bandwidth memory manufactured by Chip, SK Hynix, which can convert distorted images captured by external cameras into a high-fidelity video representation of the user’s environment with low latency.
- It will be able to run existing iOS applications in 2D.
What do you think about Apple Reality Pro features? You can share your ideas with us in the comments section.
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