Apple Reportedly Announcing Mixed-Reality Headset Before WWDC in June
Apple's long-rumoured mixed-reality headset is close to launching, if reports are to be believed.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the all-new device, which combines augmented and virtual reality elements, could be announced sometime this spring before Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in June. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo backed up the claim, noting how the reveal was pushed back from January to spring.
Moreover, the Cupertino tech giant has already shared the headset – the likely name of which is Reality Pro – and its xrOS operating system with a number of software developers, hinting that its release is indeed on the horizon. Gurman added that the expected release window is fall.
The last leg of the headset's development, however, can come with a tradeoff for Apple's product lineup for the rest of the year – or lack thereof. Gurman claims there likely won't be any noteworthy updates for the iPad, Apple Watch and audio lines this year, although that's to be expected after the announcements of the new Apple Watch Ultra and AirPods Pro 2. The next major iPad model, the OLED panel-sporting iPad Pro, likely won't arrive until 2024 at the earliest. He also describes the forthcoming Apple Silicon MacPro as "another disappointment", with it supposedly retaining the design of its 2019 predecessor.
Apple's software development is also impacted. Gurman says the next version of iOS likely won't have major changes from last year's version, with many of the company's software engineers being reassigned to work on xrOS. The same reportedly applies to macOS 14.
In December, it was reported that Apple changed the name of the headset’s software from realityOS to xrOS. The name is said to be a nod to the headset’s mixed-reality capabilities, with XR standing for extended reality, a term that refers to both augmented and virtual reality.
The iPhone 15 and a new 15-inch MacBook Air, however, are still on track to release this year. Gurman notes the whole iPhone 15 lineup would feature the new Dynamic Island cutout, which was exclusive to the Pro models on the iPhone 14, along with USB-C charging to stay afoot of new legislation in Europe. This year's Pro models, meanwhile, might also flaunt new titanium frames and haptic volume buttons.
Apple's long-rumoured mixed-reality headset will reportedly be announced sometime this spring before this year's Worldwide Developer Conference in June.
The all-new device is then expected to launch in the fall.
The Cupertino tech giant has already shared the headset – the likely name of which is Reality Pro – and its xrOS operating system with a number of software developers, hinting that its release is indeed on the horizon.