Apple Set to Unveil Highly Anticipated VR Headset at Developers Conference

Sun Jun 04 2023
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NEW YORK: Apple is all set to reveal its long-awaited virtual reality (VR) headset, which will bridge the gap between the real and virtual worlds. The tech giant’s ability to popularize innovative devices will be put to the test as it aims to capture the public’s imagination with this new offering, following previous unsuccessful attempts by other companies in the VR space.

The much-anticipated announcement is expected to take place on Monday at Apple’s annual developers conference, held at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California. Alongside the VR headset, Apple is also likely to showcase its latest Mac computer, provide a sneak peek of the upcoming iPhone operating system, and discuss its artificial intelligence strategy.

The star attraction of the event will likely be a pair of sleek goggles, possibly named “Reality Pro” as leaked by media sources. These goggles have the potential to become another groundbreaking product in Apple’s illustrious history of releasing game-changing technology. Although Apple has not always been the first to venture into a particular device category, it has consistently delivered breakthroughs, including the Mac in 1984, the iPod in 2001, the iPhone in 2007, the iPad in 2010, the Apple Watch in 2014, and the AirPods in 2016.

However, with an expected hefty price tag of around $3,000, Apple’s new VR headset may face a lukewarm reception from all but the affluent technophiles. If the device turns out to be a niche product, it would mirror the challenges faced by other major tech companies and startups that have attempted to sell headsets or glasses featuring VR or augmented reality (AR) technology.

Apple’s goggles are rumored to boast a sleek design and the ability to seamlessly switch between completely virtual or augmented experiences, often referred to as “mixed reality.” This flexibility, also known as external reality or XR, is expected to be a key selling point. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has coined the term “metaverse” to describe these alternate three-dimensional realities. While Meta’s virtual reality headset, the Quest, has been the top-selling device in the category, the concept of the metaverse still remains largely unexplored.

Apple Executives to Focus on Potential of New Headset

Apple executives are likely to steer clear of using the term “metaverse” due to the skepticism it has garnered. Instead, they will focus on the potential of the company’s new headset without committing to a specific timeline for mass appeal. Apple CEO Tim Cook has repeatedly emphasized augmented reality as the next leap in technology, comparing its potential impact to that of the internet.

The response to VR, AR, and mixed reality has been relatively subdued thus far, with some devices even facing ridicule. Notably, Google’s internet-connected glasses, released over a decade ago, failed to gain traction after initial excitement waned due to privacy concerns. Microsoft’s HoloLens, a mixed-reality headset released in 2016, has also had limited success.

Magic Leap, a startup that once generated buzz with its mixed-reality technology, encountered challenges when marketing its first headset to consumers in 2018. It has since shifted its focus to industrial, healthcare, and emergency applications.

As Apple’s goggles are anticipated to carry a high price tag, expectations for the product have already been tempered. Analysts predict modest sales of around 150,000 units in the first year, which pales in comparison to Apple’s other flagship products. However, Apple has a track record of finding success in the consumer market by delivering compelling applications and solutions.

The VR and AR market has seen average annual shipments of 8.6 million units since 2016, with a projected increase to 67 million units by 2026. These projections were made prior to Apple’s potential entry into the market, leaving room for a paradigm shift.

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