According to rumors, an Apple VR headset is reportedly in active development. This headset will allegedly compete with the best AR and VR headsets currently on the market.
While Apple has yet to confirm the rumors, many anticipate the release of this device. Some even think it might come out as soon as 2023 to compete with Meta’s Quest Pro VR headset. This device is also different from the Apple VR Glasses.
If you want to know more about Apple’s VR headset, read below, as we’ll discuss everything we know so far.
Apple’s VR Headset May Likely Be Called Reality One or Reality Pro
According to Bloomberg, several trademark filings indicate that Apple might call its VR headset the Reality One or the Reality Pro. It’s also possible that both of these names are separate models.
While not confirmed yet, there have been no additional trademarks filed by Apple that indicate a reality headset. Therefore, for now, these are the most plausible names.
The Reality One and Reality Pro Could Have Its Own OS
Along with the trademarks filed for Reality One and Reality Pro, there was also a previous trademark filed for RealityOS. This means that Apple’s VR headsets will most likely have a dedicated operating system—similar to watchOS for the Apple Watch and tvOS for Apple TV.
While we don’t know much about RealityOS, the device will likely come with the M2 chip installed—the same one on the redesigned MacBook Air. This means the device should be able to handle advanced programs without breaking a sweat.
Apple’s VR Headset Will Be Expensive at First
According to tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the possible price point for the Apple Reality One and Reality Pro headsets is around $2,000. This is more expensive than other VR headsets on the market, which lead people to speculate that this device has advanced features.
Even though other VR headsets like the Meta Quest 2 are getting more expensive, the Apple Reality One and Reality Pro will be even more pricey.
Ming-Chi Kuo is also the tech analyst who leaked that the initial release date might be January 2023. However, remember that Apple hasn’t shared any details on this device or its release date, so it could very well be much later.
If it does come out in January 2023, this device will probably be available to a limited market, or there will only be a small number for sale.
Apple’s VR Headset May Have Apple Watch Integration
Along with trademarks filed by Apple, there are also patents for how the Apple Reality One and Reality Pro headsets would work. According to Patently Apple, Apple has won a patent related to wearable devices and the integration with a VR headset.
So, the Apple VR headset could potentially integrate with the Apple Watch for sensing arm motion. It also could mean that Apple plans to release another wearable, like gloves, alongside the new VR headsets.
When Can You Buy the Apple VR Headset?
As mentioned earlier, Apple hasn’t confirmed any of these rumors or shared any details on its VR headset, so you should take everything we said with a grain of salt. At this point, we can do nothing more than speculate.
In the development stage, things can change, which is likely why Apple doesn’t announce anything until the device is almost market ready. Remember that the company also tends to schedule a big event to release a major product like this, and we have no such event in sight.
While some of the earliest predictions are in January 2023, it doesn’t seem likely at the moment. If it comes out that early, the device will most likely be expensive or available to only a limited market. And if you can’t grab one then, you might need to wait a year or two before it’s widely available for cheaper.
However, this potential release is exciting for many reasons, and we will continue to provide updates on the Apple VR headset as they arrive.
