Seemingly every detail about Apple’s upcoming mixed-reality headset has been revealed in a massive leak, meaning we could now know almost everything about it.
Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman has revealed how Apple’s upcoming mixed-reality headset will work in precise detail. It’s the clearest look yet at Apple’s top-secret project — potentially dubbed Reality Pro — as until now we’ve had to rely on disparate rumors from various unconnected sources.
The headset will feature hand- and eye-tracking capabilities, which Gurman believes will be a “major selling point” for the device. Each users’ hand movements will be tracked by external cameras, while internal sensors will follow eye movement. As a result, users will be able to select on-screen items like apps and buttons just by looking at them.
Once an item is selected, users will activate it by pinching their thumb and forefinger together. There will be no need for bulky or uncomfortable controllers, thereby freeing up users’ hands. That’s something even the best VR headsets have struggled to offer so far.
On the inside, Apple’s headset will have two ultra-high-resolution displays to show virtual reality (VR) content, while external cameras will manage the device’s augmented reality (AR) mode. If you wear glasses, Apple will offer custom prescription lenses that fit into the headset’s enclosure.
But while the visuals will be incredible, the audio will reportedly be less so. It will come with integrated speakers, but if you want a full spatial audio experience, Gurman says you’ll need to wear AirPods with the headset.
Mirroring the Apple Watch, Reality Pro will have its own Digital Crown.
