Apple's AR headset probably won't need an iPhone to function
Apple's highly anticipated mixed-reality headset may not require an iPhone to work, with the first release in the lineup likely to be able to work independently of any other Apple device.
![A render of a potential Apple headset [AppleInsider]](https://photos5.appleinsider.com/gallery/53201-106609-52339-104274-49777-97523-apple-ar-headset-xl-xl-xl.jpg)
A render of a potential Apple headset [AppleInsider]
Apple is thought to be preparing its initial ar headset is expected to finally surface in 2023, potentially during or before WWDC 2023. The first headset in Apple's product line that could appear at that time may be more of a standalone device than previously thought, with it apparently able to work without the user necessarily having an iPhone or iPad beforehand.
According to Mark Gurman's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, the headset "probably won't require" an iPhone for setup, nor for actual use. Sources say the latest versions of the headset being tested apparently can be set up without needing an iPhone, with the headset able to download a user's content and iCloud data directly for itself.
While able to work independently of other hardware, users will still be able to transfer data to the headset from their iPhone or iPad, in a similar way to how new devices can be set up.
The idea of it being independent hardware is highly plausible, since Meta's Quest 2 is already designed to be used separately from other hardware, though you can still interact with it via a companion app.
Interacting with the headset is via eye and hand tracking, including in-air typing, but this has apparently been "finicky in testing." While users may have to rely on an iPhone's keyboard for text entry, it is expected that software updates will be deployed to provide rapid improvements after launch.
In a refinement to earlier reporting, Gurman now thinks that a WWDC launch for the headset, apparently called Reality Pro, will occur. Shipments would take place by the end of 2023, in theory.
Beyond the first headset, Gurman writes that Apple is already planning follow-up models, including a cheaper version due at the end of 2024 or into 2025. Using a lower-end display and processor, the headset tentatively titled Reality One will be much cheaper than the initial $3,000 model.
A second-generation Reality Pro is apparently on the way, which may offer considerably more performance than the M2-equipped first-gen model. An apparent complaint is that the M2-based model isn't powerful enough to support more than two realistic VR representations of participants at a time.
Read on AppleInsider
A render of a potential Apple headset [AppleInsider]
Apple is thought to be preparing its initial ar headset is expected to finally surface in 2023, potentially during or before WWDC 2023. The first headset in Apple's product line that could appear at that time may be more of a standalone device than previously thought, with it apparently able to work without the user necessarily having an iPhone or iPad beforehand.
According to Mark Gurman's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, the headset "probably won't require" an iPhone for setup, nor for actual use. Sources say the latest versions of the headset being tested apparently can be set up without needing an iPhone, with the headset able to download a user's content and iCloud data directly for itself.
While able to work independently of other hardware, users will still be able to transfer data to the headset from their iPhone or iPad, in a similar way to how new devices can be set up.
The idea of it being independent hardware is highly plausible, since Meta's Quest 2 is already designed to be used separately from other hardware, though you can still interact with it via a companion app.
Interacting with the headset is via eye and hand tracking, including in-air typing, but this has apparently been "finicky in testing." While users may have to rely on an iPhone's keyboard for text entry, it is expected that software updates will be deployed to provide rapid improvements after launch.
In a refinement to earlier reporting, Gurman now thinks that a WWDC launch for the headset, apparently called Reality Pro, will occur. Shipments would take place by the end of 2023, in theory.
Beyond the first headset, Gurman writes that Apple is already planning follow-up models, including a cheaper version due at the end of 2024 or into 2025. Using a lower-end display and processor, the headset tentatively titled Reality One will be much cheaper than the initial $3,000 model.
A second-generation Reality Pro is apparently on the way, which may offer considerably more performance than the M2-equipped first-gen model. An apparent complaint is that the M2-based model isn't powerful enough to support more than two realistic VR representations of participants at a time.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
The downside is that you are always looking at a display which can cause eye fatigue more easily than looking at natural light and the real video feed doesn't look as natural as looking through lenses.
Here's passthrough AR on Meta/Oculus Quest VR headset:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jUIE2l_9ig8
That said AR at this time is of little interest to me. I was thinking of getting a Quest set but the idea of having to be connected to a PC and have a FB account turned me away and I haven't kept up since. Much of the VR content seems to be game stuff and that doesn't interest me much. Let me fly with the Blue Angels or walk among Emperor penguins with David Attenborough. Or dive the Barrier Reef. But being Iron Man's wingman would be cool too.
The key to iOS's lack of malware is Apple locking down the app installation pathway and limiting the web browser engine: the two main malware entry points on PCs: however competitors have successfully lobbied governments to force apple into unwinding both of these platform protections for the sake of getting a larger cut of revenue/more market dominance. Thus I would not be surprised one bit if Apple significantly change the app-model used in the new device, and there is some evidence of this in rumors which paint an on-device app development process that ordinary users can do. After all why should Apple provide a space for companies like Facebook/Google to place ads directly in our line of vision, while making bank with our personal data.
The apple watch also demonstrates that we don't need every type of app available for a device to be meaningfully useful - many users don't even use 3rd party apps, likely because not every device we own should aim to be a replacement of the personal computer - a new form of interface allows us to improve other aspects of our lives.
would explain the rumors and n two different prices.
C'mon Apple, still waiting ...
My SE got me through all of my undergrad + almost 2 years. I actually had a case for it - wish I hadn't tossed it, it'd be worth something now. Had to replace it when the HD died. My freshman year, probably 25% of my peers had their own computer. By my senior year ('93), maybe half? I don't think my roommates had one.
To clarify - I would not spend $1k on a computer today. I have a 2020 MBA, 2022 iPad, iPhone X. I'm cheap.
As far as the tech, that's another story. Huge military use of the core tech of AR & VR in heads up displays and other things I doubt we will ever know of.
For me, it would be VR gaming. I don't see any use for AR unless it could help with my poor vision. If they price it right and there are apps, I'd pay. The new PSVR 2 requires a PS5 and is around $500. Hard to stomach despite design superiority when Oculus has more games and is cheaper. I have a PSVR original using a PS4 and it's great, but there aren't a lot of good games for it. I doubt though that Apple these days would introduce something they think there's no market for, so who knows?