Will Apple Announce Headset Launch at Worldwide Developers Conference 2023?

Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference starts on June 5 and will run for five days. But after speculations, rumours, and previous uncertainty, will this event see the announcement of the AR/VR capable headset the company has been reportedly developing?

Believed to be branded as the Apple Reality Pro, there had been previous doubts over whether Apple would get the same level of hype surrounding the event as when they announced the iPhone back in 2007. 

But there are clear signs that Apple is set to make the announcement in this year’s keynote address at 10 am PT on June 5. 

Let’s take a look at what might be in store for the WWDC23 and what those in the know are saying about the event. 

Ming-Chi Kuo Has Predicted the Announcement

Ming-Chi Kuo is an analyst for TF International Securities, an Asia-Pacific-based financial services company. Over the years, the supply chain analyst has gained information from key industry contacts, leading to some very accurate predictions about Apple’s business decisions. 

Recently, the analyst stated that it’s “highly likely” Apple will reveal their new headset at the event. 

Apple Invited XR Media Outlets

Several key mixed reality media outlets have received invitations to the event. This is the first time Apple has sent out invitations to this type of business. The obvious conclusion is that they want the event to be covered by XR journalists because they will make the anticipated announcement. 

There’s Increased Media Hype

Over the last few weeks, there’s been more talk in the media about Apple’s headset. Bloomberg recently ran a report discussing the execs involved in the project, the technology itself, the software, and Apple’s marketing strategy. 

The article claims that Apple has shifted their focus recently and is now leaning toward the device having a “strong gaming proponent.”

Palmer Luckey Has Been Building Expectations

Elsewhere in the industry, Oculus and Anduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey has said in a Twitter Spaces interview with Peter Diamandis, Executive Chairman of non-profit organisation XPRIZE, that he’s seen an early version of the new Apple headset. He says, “ I have not seen the final headset, but I have seen an earlier version of the headset, and it is excellent. It is gonna be a huge deal.” 

What Capabilities Will Apple’s Headset Have?

It’s unclear at the moment what the Apple headset will hold in store, but it’s believed that given the company’s reputation for solving usability problems, that it could create the headset that takes XR mainstream. 

The upcoming headset is rumoured to be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including:

  • Advanced Hardware: Powered by two 5nm chips, the headset promises exceptional performance.
  • Immersive Visuals: Experience a stunning 4K resolution with dual micro OLED displays and a wide 120-degree field of view. Enjoy low-latency colour passthrough, thanks to the SK Hynix ISP chip.
  • Customisation and Comfort: Prescription glasses wearers can attach custom lenses, and motorised, automatic IPD adjustment ensures a personalised fit.
  • Enhanced Tracking Capabilities: With at least one camera per eye for eye tracking and a minimum of six cameras for face and body tracking, precise tracking and mapping of surfaces using LiDAR scanners are expected.
  • Immersive Audio: An H2 chip is rumoured to enable seamless connectivity with 2nd-gen AirPod Pros. Non-AirPod headphones may not have Bluetooth compatibility or a jack socket.
  • Innovative Input Methods: Apple is exploring various input methods, including voice recognition, hand-tracking, and alternative options such as a wand and thimble.
  • Extended Playtime: The waist-mounted battery is expected to provide approximately two hours of power, with the option for hot-swapping batteries to extend playtime.
  • App Compatibility: Existing apps will likely be compatible, running in 2D mode on the headset.
  • Premium Construction: The casing is reported to feature a combination of aluminium, carbon fibre, and glass materials, ensuring a sleek and durable design.

While these features are based on rumours and reports, the next-generation headset from Apple is highly anticipated, promising an immersive and groundbreaking experience.

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