Apple’s annual developers conference, scheduled to take place in Cupertino, California, on Monday, is expected to be the platform for the tech giant to reveal its long-rumored headset. This device is said to bridge the gap between the virtual and real world, putting users at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. As with previous Apple releases, this announcement may once again redefine the technological landscape, even though other attempts by various companies to popularize similar devices have fallen short.
Since the introduction of the Mac in 1984, Apple has been a pioneer in groundbreaking innovations. The iPod (2001), iPhone (2007), iPad (2010), Apple Watch (2014), and AirPods (2016) have all revolutionized their respective markets. Now, Apple seems poised to continue this trend with its rumored headset, possibly named “Reality Pro” according to media leaks.
The headset is expected to offer a sleek design and the ability to seamlessly transition between virtual and augmented reality, known as “mixed reality” or “XR.” This flexibility could potentially provide users with a unique and immersive experience that combines both digital and real-world elements. However, with an estimated price tag of around $3,000, the headset might initially appeal mostly to affluent technophiles, potentially limiting its broader market appeal.
The concept of a “metaverse,” championed by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, refers to alternate three-dimensional realities. Zuckerberg has made significant investments in virtual technology, hoping to bring the metaverse into the mainstream. Despite the ongoing efforts, the metaverse has yet to gain substantial traction among the general public. However, Facebook’s virtual reality headset, the Quest, remains a top-selling device within the gaming community.
Apple’s executives are likely to avoid explicitly mentioning the metaverse during discussions about their new headset, given the skepticism surrounding the term. Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously expressed his belief in the potential of augmented reality, emphasizing its future impact on everyday life. Cook has compared the advent of augmented reality to the transformative nature of the internet, highlighting its profound influence while acknowledging that widespread adoption will take time.
The reception to virtual, augmented, and mixed reality has been lukewarm thus far. Previous attempts, such as Google’s ill-fated internet-connected glasses and Microsoft’s HoloLens, have faced limited success or encountered significant backlash. Even Magic Leap, a company that showcased awe-inspiring mixed-reality demonstrations, struggled to market its first headset to consumers and shifted its focus to specific industries.
Apple’s upcoming headset faces several critical questions, including its functionality, design, comfort, and pricing. Anticipation suggests that the headset may carry a hefty price tag, which has tempered initial expectations for its market success. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives predicts that Apple may sell around 150,000 units during the device’s first year, indicating a slow start compared to other flagship products. However, it is worth noting that the iPhone also had modest initial sales before becoming a global sensation.
In an interesting twist, Facebook’s Zuckerberg announced that the next Quest headset will be priced at $500, possibly as a preemptive move to highlight the expected high cost of Apple’s goggles. It remains to be seen whether Apple’s entry into the market will reshape the industry and surpass current sales projections. Research firm CCS Insight had previously estimated annual shipments of virtual and augmented reality devices to average around 8.6 million units, with a gradual increase to 67 million units by 2026.
Despite the challenges and skepticism surrounding the adoption of mixed reality technology, many industry experts remain optimistic about Apple’s ability to succeed in the consumer market. With a track record of identifying killer applications and solutions, Apple has consistently demonstrated its capacity to capture public imagination. As the world eagerly awaits Apple’s official announcement, only time will tell whether the company can once again redefine the future of technology.
