Apple’s much-anticipated mixed-reality headset is poised to take the stage at the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in California, with all eyes on the tech giant for its most significant product release since the Apple Watch debut in 2015.
During his keynote speech, CEO Tim Cook is expected to present this new product as the future of technology. However, its hefty price tag of around $3,000 (£2,400) may present a challenge in winning over consumers.
While Apple has not officially confirmed the headset’s existence, reports indicate that it will offer both virtual and augmented reality experiences. Online images depict the device, dubbed “Reality Pro,” resembling wraparound ski goggles. According to leaks, Apple has achieved a smaller and lighter design by removing the internal battery, requiring users to carry an external battery that connects via a cable.
Despite its unveiling at WWDC, the headset is not expected to hit store shelves immediately, with reports suggesting a later release date in the year.
Speaking to BBC News, Sol Rogers from the visual-effects film studio Magnopus noted that while WWDC may not revolutionize the industry overnight, it will provide “validation and credibility” to the technology as a whole. Rogers believes that when Apple does find success, it will redefine both digital and physical realities, propelling us into a future where the extraordinary becomes an everyday experience.
Apple’s headquarters, Apple Park in Cupertino, California, will host the conference, which will be streamed live on the company’s website and YouTube channel. In addition to the mixed-reality headset, Tim Cook is expected to discuss Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) strategy.
In the fiercely competitive AI race, Apple has been relatively quieter compared to Microsoft and Google. However, recent job advertisements seeking software engineers suggest that the company aims to bolster its AI expertise.
Furthermore, Apple is anticipated to unveil a 15-inch (38cm) MacBook Air laptop and updates to its iOS, iPadOS, and macOS operating systems. The Wall Street Journal also reported that Apple plans to launch a mental-health journaling iPhone app at WWDC.
With the stage set for Apple’s WWDC, the tech world eagerly awaits the unveiling of the mixed-reality headset and the potential advancements it brings to the industry.
