The Apple VR headset may not be announced, but we have plenty of leaks and rumors to discuss
Apple’s dedicated virtual reality device is all but confirmed at this point. Unlike the company’s upcoming Apple Glasses, the Apple VR headset will focus less on augmented reality and is expected to arrive slightly sooner. Codenamed N301, Apple’s VR headset is likely to be a less-widespread product than its successor. Both products have allegedly been hit with multiple hurdles throughout their development, but the N301 will hopefully begin to recuperate costs while work on the company’s AR glasses continues. For now, though, here’s everything we know about the Apple VR headset, as well as all the features we hope to see when it launches. Apple’s first headset is rumored to be released in the first quarter of 2022, according to Bloomberg sources. These same sources also claimed the VR device has faced multiple development challenges, so it’s possible this suspected date could be pushed back further if more issues arise. Mark Gurman (a leaker with a good track record for Apple information) has also said to expect this headset in 2022, and claimed that it’ll be pricey – it’s probably going to have some premium-level specs. Indeed, while a price hasn’t yet been confirmed, a report by The Information has the Apple VR headset priced at an eye-watering $3,000. This estimate is somewhat corroborated by Bloomberg, whose sources have said Apple expects the VR headset to sell roughly one unit per store per day. These figures match up with the approximate sales of the $5,999 Mac Pro Desktop. Extremely lightweight According to new rumors, the Apple VR headset could weigh just 150 grams. That’s less than the combined weight of the Air Pod Max and its case, or the weight of an iPhone 12. This would also make Apple’s headset lighter than the Oculus Quest 2. How Apple hopes to pull this off while also providing enough tech and power to provide a fulfilling experience remains to be seen. It’s possible that this less heavy design won’t include all the features listed below (like 8K screens) and could instead use the company’s recently patented hologram tech. Dual 8K screens One feature that seems almost certain given the plethora of leaks is the VR headset’s dual 8K displays. At 7680 x 4320 resolution, that’s four times as many pixels as a 4K screen and significantly more pixels than any other commercially available device. For comparison, the Valve Index VR headset uses two 1440 x 1600 pixel displays. Take this information with a pinch of salt, though, as it’s merely based on leaks, but a lot of the sources we’ve heard from suggest this is the case. Eye-tracking software For those who might be worried about those 8K screens eating up battery life and requiring huge processors, Apple apparently has a plan, based on rumors we’ve heard.
