Apple intends to announce mixed reality headset with in-person event in the ‘next few months’

Apple intends to announce a mixed reality headset at an in-person event in the “next few months,” according to Bloomberg Mark Gurman.

In a newsletter outlining the possible future of the company’s in-person WWDC conference, Gurman says Apple aims to launch a mixed reality headset, the first major new device since 2015, in a session in person in the “next few months.” Apple last hosted an in-person event in September 2019. All events since have taken place digitally due to the global health crisis.

Over the next few months, the company is set to announce a mixed reality headset, its first major new device since 2015. If possible, Apple won’t want to make such a critical announcement at an online event. He wants employees, media, partners and developers in the room.

Bloomberg previously reported that Apple’s first AR / VR headset will be a high-end, expensive, and “niche” device for developers. Internally, Apple believes it could only sell one headset per day at its outlets. If the wait comes true, it will only sell 180,000 units per year in its 500 stores.

Bloomberg previously said Apple is aiming for a product launch as early as next year. Given today’s new information, Apple may pre-announce the headset to give developers time to prepare for the new VR experience. Apple took a similar step by announcing Apple Silicon for the Mac, in which it announced the transition to WWDC in June, months before releasing the first Macs with its own chip to give developers time to prepare their applications. .

The headset is rumored to feature dual 8K displays, eye tracking, and more than a dozen cameras to track hand movements. The headset would be a direct competitor to others already in the market, such as Facebook’s Oculus Rift, which has been used extensively for gaming.

After the initial headset, Apple plans to release a more mainstream augmented reality product. According to Bloomberg, this product, unofficially nicknamed Apple Glasses, is however still “in several years”. For everything we know about Apple’s AR / VR plans, head over to our dedicated roundup.