According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s mixed reality headset, potentially named Reality One or Reality Pro, could be priced at $3,000 and emphasize gaming, exercise, and productivity. The device is rumored to rely on finger gestures for navigation, feature a virtual keyboard, and include support for physical keyboards. Additionally, a Digital Crown, similar to the one on the Apple Watch, may enable a transition from fully immersive VR to mixed reality, blending the digital interface with the real world through onboard cameras.
Some industry experts, like Magic Leap founder Rony Abovitz, see Apple’s potential entry into the mixed reality market as a significant boost for the industry as a whole. However, not everyone is convinced of the benefits of mixed reality. Edward Saatchi, founder of VR studio Fable, raises concerns about the inherent differences between creating augmented reality (AR) and VR content and questions the success of an MR headset that attempts to combine the two. He compares it to smartphone gamepad accessories that aim to cater to both complex console games and casual phone games but may not provide an optimal experience for either.
While Apple’s intentions may appear uncertain, the mixed reality industry is ripe for disruption, a realm in which Apple has excelled. The company’s extensive installed base, coupled with its ability to leverage existing hardware like iPhones and Macs, offers a significant advantage. Prioritizing developers in the early stages allows Apple to refine its technology and lower prices before targeting mainstream consumers.
