The tech world has been eagerly awaiting Apple’s entry into the world of immersive media for years. After the acquisition of the German startup Metaio in 2015, the first rumors about an own augmented reality platform emerged. But six years later, there’s nothing new and only initial prototypes and rumors swirl around Apple Glasses.
But now, the latest leaks do not show the expected AR glasses, but a virtual reality headset, which is expected to be Apple’s next big launch. The VR headset is supposed to be the bridge to immersive technology and enable unprecedented performance thanks to the latest chip technology. According to current reports, it could be very similar to the Oculus Quest 2 in terms of design, but even surpass it due to new technical refinements.
The headset, codenamed N301, is not only supposed to enable full immersion in the virtual world, but also represent an augmented reality display by means of built-in cameras and sensors. Thanks to the cameras, gesture control and so-called air typing, i.e. using the air or any surface as a keyboard, will also be possible, for example. If the courts are right about a VR and an AR functionality, this would make the headset an Apple debut in two technological divisions at once.
The N301 VR headset is said to be in a late prototype phase, the leak continues, and it is expected to hit the market in 2022. Special focus until then will be on the new powerful chip and cooling systems for the headset’s processor.
What the headset will really be able to do, when we will hold it in our hands and especially at what price Apple will offer their new technological masterpiece remains to be seen, but the news gives hope for a new, innovative player in the immersive technology market.
