Apple AR: Three things we just learned — and four big unknowns

Apple AR: Three things we just learned — and 4 big unknowns

a render of the apple mixed reality headset

(Image credit: Future)

It'south no hugger-mugger that Apple CEO Tim Melt views augmented reality (AR) as the next big thing. He recently chosen it a "critically important function of Apple's future" and the showtime iteration is expected side by side year.

Now, thanks to an investment note from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, seen by 9to5Mac, we take some interesting insights into what this Apple AR headset might wait like. Kuo has a long track record of predicting Apple'due south moves, though even the all-time Apple leakers get things wrong from time to time, so don't take this as guaranteed.

Nonetheless, here are three things we learned, and four key things nosotros still don't know.

Three things we learned nearly Apple's AR headset

Apple tree AR headset volition have Mac-level ability and then some

According to Kuo, the headset could characteristic 2 processors and it doesn't audio like Apple tree volition be scrimping on power, either. "The college-end processor will have similar computing power as the M1 for Mac, whereas the lower-cease processor volition be in charge of sensor-related calculating," Kuo writes.

"Apple's AR headset requires a separate processor every bit the computing ability of the sensor is significantly higher than that of the iPhone," he connected. "For case, the AR headset requires at least 6-eight optical modules to simultaneously provide continuous video meet-through AR services to users. In comparing, an iPhone requires upwards to three optical modules running simultaneously and does non require continuous calculating."

Despite all this Apple's mixed reality headset could exist very light, weighing even less than the Oculus Quest 2.

Not just AR, merely VR too?

While 9to5Mac was calorie-free on the specifics of this point, Kuo predicts that the Apple AR headset will characteristic two 4K micro OLED displays courtesy of Sony. To Kuo, that's a sign that the headset might non merely be for AR, but could potentially handle VR every bit well.

Apple tree is hither for the long booty, with large future ambitions

In a separate piece, 9to5Mac reports on Kuo's belief that Apple tree sees AR as a long term project that could supersede the iPhone in but a decade'southward time.

"Apple's goal is to supercede the iPhone with AR in ten years, representing the demand for ABF of AR headsets will exceed at to the lowest degree one billion pieces in ten years," he wrote.

It's articulate that's a big ask, and that's non something that lost on Kuo. "If Apple'south goal is to replace the iPhone with AR in x years, it means Apple will sell at least one billion AR devices in ten years," he reasons.

In other words, you shouldn't expect the Apple AR headset to be a 'one-and-washed' product. It's merely the first iteration of something that the visitor has long-term plans for. Remember: it took multiple generations earlier the iPod was a large success story.

Apple AR: Four things we still don't know

In that location are still plenty of things nosotros don't know about Apple tree's AR plans, of class, and that starts with i area where dissimilar reporters are in disagreement:

Will Apple AR be a standalone headset, or will it need an iPhone?

In his latest annotation, Ming-Chi Kuo is pretty clear: the outset Apple AR headset won't need to exist connected to an iPhone or a Mac and volition stand up alone. Indeed, if the long-term program of a billion headsets is to be met, he sees its independence every bit vital for mass adoption: "If the AR headset is positioned just as an accessory for the Mac or iPhone, it will not be conducive to the growth of the production," he wrote.

That makes sense, but it'south at odds with what nosotros've heard earlier, with another study stating that Apple tree'south AR headset would demand the iPhone in much the same manner that the original Apple tree Watch did.

Have plans changed, or was the before report wrong? Nosotros don't know yet.

How much volition it set up us back?

Virtual and augmented reality headsets aren't cheap, but if Kuo is correct and this headset contains two 4K OLED panels and the processing power equivalent to Apple's MacBooks, then it'southward safe to say that this will brand the Oculus Quest 2 look like a budget purchase.

The possible range of prices here is enormous — remember that Microsoft's HoloLens ii sold for $3,500 and even the Google Glass Explorer Editions went for $one,500.

But on the other hand, Kuo says Apple is hoping this will sell a billion units over fourth dimension, and also high a toll could kill it rock dead. On that annotation...

Can Apple make a nice format pop?

Virtual and augmented reality headsets take their enthusiasts, but they're far from a mainstream product. Meta has enormous resources both to push button Oculus Quest and to sell the product at a loss, yet it even so remains niche.

Can Apple buck that tendency? The jury is still very much out on that one, in part because headsets undoubtedly brand people look dorky. That said, that was the initial verdict on AirPods too. But Apple tree's unique ability to alter perceptions has ensured the odd looking earbuds are everywhere.

Where does the headset end and Apple Glasses brainstorm?

Apple is rumored to exist working on two AR wearables: the Apple tree AR headset described hither, and the so-chosen 'Apple Spectacles,' which sounds similar more of an everyday wearable in the footsteps of Google Glass.

While there's no doubt a lot of crossover in terms of technology, that clearly describes two very different utilise cases. Are the 2 distinct, or is the ultimate aim to merge them over time as technological advances make all functionalities possible in a single device? The various patents aren't clear, and even if they were, not every patent makes its way into a commercially available production.

As information technology stands, this is all speculation and rumor. But information technology nevertheless gives usa a better idea of the grade and shape an Apple AR or VR or mixed reality headset could take in the nearly futurity. And, if this new rumor is to be believed, then Apple's future tech may also accept better wireless charging capabilities every bit seemingly AirPower has been reborn.

Freelance correspondent Alan has been writing nigh tech for over a decade, roofing phones, drones and everything in betwixt. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine as well. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, y'all'll probably discover him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth fourth dimension.