Apple’s entry into the extended reality sector has been a consistent rumor in technology media for years, but it appears the situation (finally) is becoming serious.

 Almost four years ago, at the 2017 developer conference, Tim Cook already stated that in the future, a significant portion of the global population would have daily augmented reality experiences, anticipating it would be as commonplace as carrying a smartphone in one’s pocket.

These aren’t Apple’s initial steps into augmented reality; the ARKit development module has already led many apps to utilize this technology.

The anticipation surrounding Apple’s imminent release of an immersive device of this type is justified. We all know the large following the Apple brand has, particularly its loyalty when acquiring new products, such as phones, watches, or… augmented reality glasses. Consequently, many analysts are discussing a potential inflection point or ‘killer application’ – the definitive assimilation of this technology by users and the anticipated mass adoption.

 

WHAT WE KNOW TO DATE ABOUT THE NEW GLASSES

 

It’s important to note that there is currently no official version of this device from Apple. However, it’s become a tradition for specialized media to leak information about upcoming product launches, which have often been accurately reported. This is likely a coincidence and not a meticulously orchestrated marketing campaign...

Until now, most rumors about the glasses Apple might launch have focused on their potential features. However, this February, The Information goes further, claiming to have a source who has seen one of the prototypes Apple is experimenting with. Several media outlets, including MacRumors, have also reported on this.
According to the media outlet, the Apple AR glasses would feature two 8K displays and up to 12 cameras for motion tracking, and would include eye-tracking technology that would allow users to "read small characters clearly" as well as "see people positioned in front of and behind virtual objects."

Internally, the glasses would utilize advanced eye-tracking technology. The prototype would also be capable of mapping surfaces, edges, and dimensions of rooms with "greater precision than existing devices on the market and would incorporate a chip even faster than the M1 processor in Apple Silicon Mac computers."

Among the planned methods for controlling the virtual reality glasses is "a finger-like device for use on a person’s finger." The glasses could also respond to the user’s hand gestures, in addition to responding via commands given to their virtual assistant, Siri.”

The Information also reports that Apple plans to develop an app store for this device, focused on gaming, video streaming, and video conferencing. Bloomberg describes the company's intention to create a "holistic three-dimensional digital environment" designed for gaming, video viewing, and communication.

However, the device's price is proving particularly controversial: approximately $3,000. For comparison, current Oculus headsets like the Quest 2 typically cost around $300.

We will see what further news emerges in the coming months.

 

Sources: The Information, Cinco Días, La Vanguardia Tecnología, 20 Minutos, and Apple Esfera.