Apple is reportedly working on a VR headset that will include a fabric design, a fan and an expensive price tag. Bloomberg News reports that Apple’s first virtual reality headset could be released in 2022 as a standalone battery-powered device, similar to Oculus Quest 2. Apple is reportedly working on “some of its most advanced and powerful chips” for this unannounced virtual reality headset, with some chips allegedly outperforming their own Mac M1 processors.
Apple reportedly faced challenges in the development of this headset, with some prototypes ending up very large and heavy. Apple is using a fabric exterior to reduce the weight of the headset, but the company is also using a fan – an unusual move for Apple given its emphasis on fanless design.
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Bloomberg News also reports that the size of Apple’s VR headset, code-named N301, is similar to the Oculus Quest, and some prototypes being tested include external cameras to enable some AR features. Apple is also testing the ability to use these cameras to track hand movements and include software features like a virtual keyboard.
It is unclear exactly when the Apple virtual reality headset will be launched, but it could be in 2022. It will be an expensive and niche device, with rumors that some at Apple anticipate that the company may sell only one headset. per day at each of its retail stores, or less than 200,000 units per year.
Apple has been working on VR and AR headsets for years, according to several reports. Bloomberg News also published a detailed analysis of Apple’s VR and AR ambitions last year, noting that the company has about 1,000 people working in AR and VR.