Apple’s first VR headset reportedly features fabric design, fan, and hefty price tag

Apple is reportedly working on a VR headset that will include a fabric design, a fan, and a premium price tag. Bloomberg News reports that Apple’s first VR headset could launch as early as 2022 as a stand-alone, battery-powered device, similar to the Oculus Quest 2. Apple is reportedly working on “some of its most advanced and powerful chips” for this unexpected VR headset, with some chips would have beaten its own Mac M1 processors.

Apple should have faced challenges in developing this headset, with some prototypes finding themselves too big and too heavy. Apple would use a fabric exterior to reduce the weight of the headset, but the company is also using a fan – an unusual move for Apple given the emphasis on the fanless design.

Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge

Bloomberg News Also reports that the size of Apple’s VR headset, which is codenamed N301, is similar to the Oculus Quest, and that some tested prototypes include external cameras to enable certain AR features. Apple has also reportedly tested the possibility of using these cameras to track hand movements and include software features such as a virtual keyboard.

It’s unclear exactly when Apple’s VR headset will launch, but it could be as early as 2022. It will be an expensive and niche device, with some at Apple predicting that the company may only sell one headset per day each day. of its retail stores, ie less than 200,000 units per year.

Apple has been working on VR and AR headsets for years, according to various reports. Bloomberg News also released a detailed review of Apple’s VR and AR ambitions last year, noting that the company has around 1,000 people working on AR and VR.