According to sources cited by Bloomberg, Apple’s long-awaited mixed reality headset may debut at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. The headset, which has been unofficially dubbed the Reality Pro, was initially expected to launch in April, but reportedly needed extra development time to address hardware and software issues. Apple has not yet commented on the rumors, but the device could still ship later in the year.
Rumors suggest that the Reality Pro headset may carry a steep price tag of up to $3,000, but could also offer advanced capabilities not found on other mixed reality devices. These could include dual 4K displays and a wide range of cameras for advanced tracking and controller-free input. The device may also feature an external battery pack and an M2 processor that outperforms the mobile chips used in other stand-alone AR and VR wearables.
The underlying platform for the headset, xrOS, is said to include an iOS-style interface that relies on finger pinches and voice commands for interaction. Health-related features may also be emphasized, along with upgraded versions of familiar experiences such as full-body avatars during FaceTime calls. Additionally, the headset may offer an easy way for users to create apps using Siri.
The initial model of the Reality Pro headset is reportedly aimed at creators and enthusiasts, and a WWDC debut would help developers gain a better understanding of the technology as it becomes publicly available. However, there are also rumours that Apple is working on a more affordable headset that could be closer in price to the Meta Quest Pro’s $1,500 price. While this more accessible headset may not be available until 2024, it suggests that Apple has a long-term strategy to make its mixed-reality technology more accessible to a wider audience.
