Apple’s Reality Pro Headset: Rumors, Leaks, and Speculation

Introduction

As Apple prepares to redefine the boundaries of augmented reality, the much-anticipated Apple VR/AR mixed reality headset and Apple Glass are generating significant buzz. While official details from Apple remain scarce, recent reports shed light on exciting features that promise to revolutionize user experiences. From advanced battery management and intuitive controls to cutting-edge software and compatibility, let’s delve deeper into the rumored capabilities of these groundbreaking devices.

At a Glance

Feature	Description
Name Speculations	Potential names: Reality Pro, Reality One
Design and Camera Features	Wraparound design, wireless, multiple cameras, lidar sensors
Lightweight Design	Expected weight of 150 grams (0.33 pounds)
Construction and Battery	Aluminum and glass construction, separate battery
Display Resolution	4K resolution per eye, 3,500 pixels per inch (ppi)
Iris Recognition and Optics System	Potential iris recognition and custom prescription lenses
Custom Apple Silicon Chips	Dual-chip setup, M2 chip with 16GB of RAM
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 6E for improved connectivity
Focus on Gaming	Not prioritizing gaming
Hand and Eye Tracking	Potential hand and eye tracking features
Outward-Facing Display	Display showing facial expressions to others
Price and Release Date	Potential prices: $3,000 (Reality Pro), $1,000 (Reality One)

Name Speculations

There have been speculations about what Apple’s mixed-reality headset might be called. Initially, the name “Apple Glass” was suggested by leaker Jon Prosser, but it was dismissed by Mark Gurman, who expressed doubts about naming a product after the unsuccessful Google Glass. Gurman proposed several potential names, including Apple Vision, Apple Reality, Apple Sight, and Apple Lens. In August 2022, Apple filed trademarks for the names “Reality Pro,” “Reality One,” and “Reality Processor.” Gurman believes that “Reality Pro” will be the name of Apple’s first high-end headset, potentially rivaling Meta’s upcoming Quest Pro. It is speculated that a more affordable headset without some of the advanced features could be named “Reality One.”

Design and Camera Features

The mixed-reality headset is expected to have a wraparound design to provide an immersive virtual reality experience. The device is likely to be wireless, allowing users to move freely without cables. On the augmented reality side, the headset will incorporate cameras to capture the surrounding environment and feed it back to the user. Reports suggest there could be up to a dozen or even 14 cameras on the device, along with lidar sensors for augmented reality processing. The headset’s body may resemble a pair of ski goggles and could be made of mesh fabrics, aluminum, and glass. Apple is said to be placing a strong emphasis on privacy, with a built-in light that turns on to indicate when the headset is recording.

Lightweight Design

According to a report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s mixed-reality headset could weigh as little as 150 grams (0.33 pounds), which is significantly lighter than many rival devices. The use of lightweight fabric instead of heavy plastic in the frame would contribute to achieving this low weight. It is speculated that Jony Ive, Apple’s former design guru, has been brought in as a consultant for the headset, indicating a potential focus on creating a super-lightweight device.

Construction and Battery

Mark Gurman’s exposé on the Reality Pro suggests that the device will be made from aluminum, glass, and cushions. The battery will be separate from the headset, allowing users to tether it to the Reality Pro and store it in a pocket. This approach not only helps reduce the weight of the headset but also addresses concerns about having a warm battery directly on the head.

Display Resolution

The rumored resolution for Apple’s headset is 4K per eye, offering a high level of detail. This is a significant improvement compared to other devices such as the HTC Vive Cosmos Elite, which typically has a lower resolution per eye. Apple aims to achieve a pixel density of 3,500 pixels per inch (ppi), providing unrivaled clarity. Additionally, reports suggest that the front-facing lenses could have a 4000 x 4000 resolution, and the device may incorporate micro-LED and AMOLED displays for an immersive visual experience.

Iris Recognition and Optics System

Kuo suggests that the headset might feature iris recognition, enabling authentication for tasks like Apple Pay without the need to remove the headset or enter a password on an iPhone. Apple has also registered the name “Optica,” which could be related to the device’s prescription optics system. The company aims to offer custom prescription lenses that fit into the headset’s enclosure, catering to users who wear glasses.

Custom Apple Silicon Chips

The mixed-reality headset is expected to be powered by a pair of custom-designed Apple Silicon chips. According to Gurman, the main CPU could be an advanced M2 chip with 16GB of RAM. The efficient nature of Apple’s ARM-based chip architecture makes it suitable for a compact device like a headset. While it was previously speculated that the headset might not require a fan, Gurman later suggested that it would likely come equipped with one. Kuo mentioned a dual-chip setup, with one chip handling computing power and the other managing sensors. The combined power output may require a 96-watt adapter.

Wi-Fi 6E

Kuo suggests that the headset will feature Wi-Fi 6E, which offers lower latency and faster data rates compared to Wi-Fi 6. Given the demanding nature of mixed-reality content, this claim aligns with the need for improved connectivity.

Focus on Gaming

Sources from The Information state that the headset will not prioritize gaming, which has drawn criticism from those sources. While gaming has been crucial for other VR platforms, Apple’s decision not to focus on gaming aligns with its approach to gaming on other devices. This approach may seem unusual considering the significance of gaming for early adopters, but it reflects Apple’s historical stance on gaming.

Hand and Eye Tracking

The headset’s extensive camera array suggests the potential for hand and eye tracking features. Apple has previously patented ideas for these control methods. The Information reports that Apple aims to use hand-tracking and a finger clip-like device as input, without including gaming controllers. Eye-tracking capabilities are expected, allowing users to log in, make payments, and verify multiple users. Eye-tracking can also help reduce graphical fidelity in peripheral vision to save battery life. Reports suggest various possibilities for hand tracking, including using Apple Watches or onboard cameras for gesture control. Gurman believes that the headset may not require any physical device on the hands and instead utilize eye-tracking and hand-tracking cameras for interaction.

Outward-Facing Display

An outward-facing display is mentioned, which would show the user’s facial expressions to others. This display could have a low refresh rate to conserve battery life.

Price and Release Date

According to various reports and rumors, there have been delays in the release of Apple’s mixed-reality headset. Initially, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested a January 2023 announcement date, but that date has passed without any news. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman claimed that Apple pushed back the release date from April to June due to hardware and software issues. The delayed June date aligns with Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), making it a potential stage for the announcement. As for the price, speculation suggests that the high-end Reality Pro headset could be priced around $3,000. The more affordable Reality One headset might be priced around $1,000.

Conclusion

Apple’s upcoming mixed-reality headset and Apple Glass are poised to redefine the realm of augmented reality. With their innovative design, advanced camera features, lightweight construction, high-resolution displays, and custom Apple Silicon chips, these devices promise to deliver unparalleled user experiences. While exact details remain undisclosed, the rumors and reports surrounding these products have generated excitement and anticipation among tech enthusiasts. The potential integration of iris recognition, optics systems, hand and eye tracking, and an outward-facing display adds further intrigue to Apple’s foray into mixed reality. As Apple prepares to unveil its highly anticipated devices, the tech world eagerly awaits the official announcement that will undoubtedly shape the future of augmented reality.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is based on rumors, leaks, and speculations surrounding Apple’s upcoming mixed-reality headset. While efforts have been made to gather accurate information, it’s important to remember that these details have not been officially confirmed by Apple. The features, specifications, and release dates mentioned here are subject to change as Apple’s plans evolve. We recommend referring to official announcements and sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding Apple’s products.