A report suggests Apple won't release an AR headset until 2022, with actual AR glasses landing even later.
It's been rumored for a long time that Apple is working on AR (augmented reality) glasses, but while some reports pointed to a 2020 launch, the latest leak suggests we may be waiting until at least 2022 for Apple AR glasses.
That’s according to “people familiar with the matter” speaking to The Information. Specifically, the company is apparently aiming to release an AR headset in 2022, followed by “sleeker” AR glasses in 2023.
These timelines were apparently discussed by Apple executives in
October as part of an internal presentation led by Apple Vice President
Mike Rockwell, who heads Apple’s AR initiatives team.
We’d certainly take this information with a pinch of salt, especially
since it’s at odds with other rumors – but given that we haven’t heard a
huge amount about Apple’s AR glasses yet it would make sense if they
were still years away.
Advanced AR features
This latest
report does include some other details though, with the source adding
that the initial AR headset will have a high-resolution display, and
cameras, and will feature the ability for users to “read small type“ on
the screen.
The Apple AR headset may also include 3D scanning and
advanced human detection, two features that should help enable it to
map surfaces and people, so that virtual objects can be precisely and
convincingly placed in environments.
You can already see examples
of virtual objects in environments through games like Pokémon Go, but it
sounds like the Apple AR headset and glasses will be able to do it
better, and in a way that lets you view these things more naturally,
rather than having to wave your phone around.
The wearables should
also apparently be able to more accurately map the dimensions of a room
than a smartphone can, and Apple is said to be planning to start
offering third-party app support for the headset and glasses from 2021,
so there may be a number of compatible apps at launch.
The design of the headset, meanwhile, is said to be similar to the Oculus Quest,
but sleeker and with a focus on making it lightweight and comfortable.
As for the Apple AR glasses, they apparently look like high-end
sunglasses, but with thick frames which are necessary to house
components; of course, these design could change.
While there's a
lot of information here, if Apple really isn’t planning to launch any AR
wearables before 2022 then we may not hear much more for a while yet,
but we’ll be sure to update you as soon as we do.
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