Apple is reportedly working on a virtual reality headset that includes fabric design, fans, and expensive price tags. According to Bloomberg News, Apple’s first virtual reality headset, like the Oculus Quest 2, could launch in 2022 as a standalone battery-powered device. Apple is reportedly working on “some of the most advanced and powerful chips” for this unreleased virtual reality headset. Some chips reportedly outperform their own M1Mac processors.
Apple is reportedly facing challenges developing these headphones, with some prototypes being too big and heavy. Apple reportedly uses cloth exteriors to reduce the weight of the earbuds, but Apple rarely uses fans due to its focus on fanless designs.
Bloomberg News also said Apple’s virtual reality goggles, codenamed N301, are similar in size to the Oculus Quest, and some prototypes being tested include an external camera that enables some AR functions. Apple has also reportedly used these cameras to track hand movements and test features that incorporate software features like virtual keyboards.
It’s unclear when Apple’s VR headsets will be available, but it could be in 2022. This is reported to be an expensive, niche device, with some Apple rumored to expect the company to sell just one headset per day. Less than 200,000 units per retail store or annually.
According to various reports, Apple has been working on VR and AR headsets for many years. Bloomberg News also elaborated on Apple’s virtual reality and augmented reality ambitions last year, stating that the company has about 1,000 people working in augmented reality and virtual reality.
