The Apple VR headset is set to adopt a hybrid Fresnel lens design, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumors). And it should result in one of the lightest mixed-reality and VR headsets of all time.
According to the report, the Apple VR headset will weigh around 150g or 0.33 pounds and will be very comfortable to use. In comparison, the Oculus Quest 2 weighs 503g (1.1 pounds).
In addition, in typical Apple style, the company appears to be ignoring what the competition is doing in favor of what may turn out to be a better system.
Kuo notes that most virtual reality headsets use traditional Fresnel lenses, which were originally developed in the early 1800s as a way to focus headlight beams. In VR headsets, they can allow ultra-short focal lengths, but increase the weight of the headphone as a result
Mixed reality headsets have the advantage of not needing such a large field of view. This means that they can use thinner and lighter lenses. That seems to be the case with Apple headphones, according to Kuo.
The analyst says that each lens will consist of three stacked Fresnel lenses (for a total of six in each headset) that balance optical performance with a lightweight design. They will be accompanied by additional plastic lenses made of custom materials and coatings to match the light transmission of the glass lenses.
We’ve heard several rumors about the composition of Apple’s mixed reality headset and how the company plans to keep the weight down. The main focus, of course, appears to be the use of lightweight materials.
This includes a plastic body, similar to that used on Apple AirPods, with an external cover made from the same mesh found on HomePod speakers. The goal is to minimize weight, but still maintain the solid “Apple” feel of the headset.
Apple also had to make allowances to place a fan on the headset, keeping it within tolerable weight limits. The space normally reserved to allow users to wear glasses inside the headset has been removed to accommodate the fan – which was necessary to ensure that the headset’s powerful processor was kept cool.
The lens system will be just one more aspect of this. Unfortunately, the Apple VR headset is not going to come cheap, which explains the high prices we’ve been hearing about. Apple’s mixed reality headset can cost $ 1,000, according to one of Kuo’s previous reports, but another report also suggested a shockingly high price of $ 3,000.
Unfortunately, the Apple headset will not arrive anytime soon. But with the release date scheduled for mid-2022, we expect a lot more leaks in the coming months.