Apple’s Anticipated Launch of Mixed-Reality Headset at WWDC: A Game-Changer in the Making?
Update: Features now announced here
In the realm of tech, Apple is known for validating and improving products already established by others. With some of the eyes of industry observers eagerly fixed on the Metaverse, the anticipation is building as Apple gears up to unveil its latest creation – a mixed-reality headset at the highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in California. This product release is expected to be Apple’s most significant since the introduction of the Apple Watch back in 2015. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, is poised to make this new device the embodiment of the future, although its expected price tag of around $3,000 (£2,400) might present a challenge in attracting consumers.
A Glimpse into the Future:
While Apple has yet to officially confirm the existence of this mixed-reality headset, numerous leaked reports strongly suggest that it will offer users the ability to experience both virtual reality and augmented reality. Online images depict the headset, referred to as “Reality Pro,” resembling a pair of wraparound ski goggles. Somewhat controversially, Apple has managed to make this device smaller and lighter by eliminating the internal battery. Instead, users will rely on an external battery, connected via a cable. However, it’s important to note that the unveiling of the headset tomorrow (Monday 5th) at WWDC does not necessarily indicate an immediate release; reports suggest that it will hit the shelves later in the year.
watchOS 10 – a surprisingly good mixture of PRO and TRIVIAL sports features
Industry Impact:
Apple’s entry into the mixed-reality market will bring validation and credibility to the technology as a whole, perhaps also to Zuckerberg’s Metaverse. If Apple achieves success, it will reshape our digital and physical realities, ushering us into a future where the extraordinary becomes an integral part of everyday life.
Caution: Researchers IDC report that the overall headset market witnessed a 54% decline in 2022.
Caution: Whatever happened to the 3D cinema revolution?
Caution: There’s a recession and war going on right now along with significant global tensions.
Accessing WWDC:
Apple’s highly anticipated WWDC will take place at its headquarters, Apple Park, located in Cupertino, California. For the rest of us, the conference will be streamed live on Apple’s website and YouTube channel.
Apple’s AI Strategy:
when it comes to AI development, Apple has remained silent compared to rivals like Microsoft and Google. However, its recent job postings seeking AI software engineers suggest that Apple is actively seeking to strengthen its expertise. The company’s presence at WWDC may shed some light on its future plans.
More Exciting Updates:
There is likely also to be a 15-inch (38cm) MacBook Air laptop and updates to its watchOS, iOS, iPadOS, and macOS operating systems.
Wider Context:
In the broader market, Meta (formerly Facebook) has been making strides in the mixed-reality sector. Just recently, Meta teased the latest Quest virtual-reality headset, boasting a significantly lower price tag of $499 (£402). Meanwhile, Lenovo has also released its latest ThinkReality VRX headset. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, may be hoping that Apple’s entry into the market will help reinvigorate interest and position headsets as the next big thing.
Sports & Watch Context:
The mixed reality world of the possible future is HIGHLY likely to overlap with sports and fitness. The most obvious use of mixed reality is gaming but there will be numerous industry-specific niche uses like, for example, firefighters using VR/MR to find their way through smoke-filled buildings.
However, Meta has already developed fitness applications for its Metaverse, I was planning to delve into them but the thought of 3D cinema-induced nausea put me off plus they were somewhat gamified along the lines of the original Wii. The most obvious lever for Apple to pull for VR/MR would be as a link to Fitness+, perhaps hosting virtual fitness classes and securing the subscription revenue stream that follows, although cynics like me will point out that it would be nice if they could finish the very basics of the scope of the existing Fitness+ app/service.
Then finally we come to watchOS. Rumours suggest that there will be a quite significant software refresh which we should see in beta in June 2023. However, this is most likely to cover the nuts and bolts of how menus, complications and widgets work together on the watch. for example, we might see stacked widgets and a new tiles interface. There’s little point in speculating now as you will know all that tomorrow. However, what you might not learn tomorrow are the hidden sports features that could mysteriously appear alongside whatever new Apple Watch is released later in September 2023. Other rumours have suggested a revamp and rethink of the Workout app. Whilst the Workout app DOES need both a revamp and a rethink I strongly suspect we won’t see anything like that this year bearing in mind what Apple released last year to boost the introduction of the Ultra Watch. I don’t think we will see either a new Watch SE or a Watch ULTRA 2 this year…just a regular iteration on Watch 9. That said Watch 9 is rumoured to finally get some big performance boosts including a genuinely new main chipset. But all that’s for September.
Takeout:
Sports awesomeness will be lacking at WWDC unless VR/ML jumps in there. Apple Watch owners WILL get some news in June but most of the excitement in that area will be saved for September.
Reader-Powered Content
This content is not sponsored. It’s mostly me behind the labour of love which is this site and I appreciate everyone who follows, subscribes or Buys Me A Coffee ❤️ Alternatively please buy the reviewed product from my partners. Thank you! FTC: Affiliate Disclosure: Links pay commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Managing of BT bike sensors (speed, cadence, power etc.) is a cool new feature in Biking sport of Workout app.
New Workout APIs (e.g for receiving planned workouts from TraingPeaks)