According to recent reports, Apple wants to get into the smart headset game with a mixed reality device that combines augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) with 12 built-in cameras and sensors. Now, trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple is working to give the headset a significant advantage over its competitors.
That advantage comes in the form of an ultra-light form factor. According to Kuo, Apple is targeting a total weight of 150 grams (0.3 pounds). This is much lower than the rest of the market where headsets weigh over 300g. Apple hopes that the reduced bulk will allow users to enjoy their headsets for longer before the weight becomes noticeable and they become boring.
Apple is exploring several ways to reach this target weight. One is to use a lightweight cloth material to coat the device. Another option, according to Kuo, is to abandon glass lenses in favor of plastic alternatives, which are thinner and lighter and could help achieve Apple’s goals.
Specifically, Kuo claims this will be a Fresnel lens with a very short focal length and improved field of view. However, it is not without its drawbacks. One potential problem is that it may reduce brightness compared to other options. However, Apple appears to be working to address this issue by using microLED displays to improve visual quality. Previous reports have claimed that Apple’s headset could feature an 8K display for both eyes, so it appears the company is trying to achieve ultra-high quality without cramming so much technology into the device that it puts a strain on users’ necks.
If Apple can make all of this happen, the headset could become one of the most attractive options on the market, at least at the high end. We’ve heard in the past that Apple is targeting $1,000 for its mixed reality headset. This is far from the cheapest headset on the market, but considering the rumors of incredible fidelity and ultra-light form, it seems like Apple is aiming high.
Kuo believes the headset could be released around 2022, but supply issues may delay its launch. This means there’s still a lot of time until more news comes, so stay tuned.