Apple AR/VR headset to feature dual 8K displays, changeable prescription lenses, and M1 Pro SoC with fan, could be priced on the lines of entry-level MacBook Pro 14
Apple has been rumored to introduce its own augmented reality (AR) headset for quite some time now. We've been hearing all sorts of information about Apple's mixed reality offering including possible specifications and pricing. Now, known Apple watcher Mark Gurman has offered more insights into Apple's purported VR headset in his latest Power On newsletter.
So far, it has been speculated that Apple's AR/VR headset would cost a bomb, likely in the US$3,000 territory. Gurman indicates that prices in the US$2,000 range are now being contemplated internally at Apple possibly due to the use of several in-house technologies.
Apple typically charges a bit more than its competitors for products, locking in margins that have helped it become one of the most profitable consumer-electronics companies ever. The new headset won’t be an exception, but the main reason why the company has discussed price points above $2,000 is because of some of its internal technologies."
Gurman also feels that the Apple headset will likely use the M1 Pro chip in the latest MacBook Pro or something on those lines instead of the M1. This is got to do more with the M1 Pro offering higher GPU power than the M1, which can be used to drive super high resolution 8K panels, interchangeable prescription lenses, and advanced audio.
I’d expect two processors inside of the device, including one on par with the M1 Pro in the MacBook Pro. Combine that with multiple displays—including super-high-resolution 8K panels—an interchangeable prescription lens option and advanced audio technology, and the costs add up. And don’t forget seven years of internal development expenses that need to be recouped.
(…) My belief is that the chip inside the Apple headset will be on par with the M1 Pro, making it better than the M1. The main reason for going with an M1 Pro over an M1 isn’t CPU speeds. It’s the need for more advanced graphics. As you may know, the M1 has an eight-core GPU, whereas the M1 Pro has 14 to 16 graphics cores."
Gurman notes that the Apple AR/VR headset will have a heavy focus on communications, gaming, and multimedia consumption. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously stated that Apple is aiming at a complete software, ecosystem, and services for the headset, which resulted in delayed production.
Gaming should be a strong focus of the machine, especially given that it will have multiple processors, a fan, extremely high-resolution displays and its own App Store. Look for Apple to position the device as a dream for game developers. Next, media consumption. I expect Apple to work with media partners to create content that can be watched in VR on the device. Third, communications. Look for Animojis and a VR FaceTime-like experience to be the new-age Zoom."
A few names for the Apple headset were also proposed Gurman's newsletter. These include Apple Vision, Apple Reality, Apple Sight/iSight, Apple Lens, or even Apple Goggles. Apple can be expected to unveil its first VR headset during WWDC 2022, though plans can get deferred to 2023 as well depending on the company's internal progress.