Apple is set to reveal its long-awaited Reality Pro mixed reality (MR) headset at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on 5 June, news reports revealed on Sunday.
In his newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that the WWDC would unveil the new immersive device. The company aims to move to a new era of advanced solutions while carrying the torch for its existing products.
What’s in the Bag for Apple?
According to the report, the MR headset would “be the star of the show” but would feature a host of new products. These include a lineup of new Apple laptops, Apple Watches, and software updates.
Bloomberg’s Gurman also explained that the new xrOS headset would be the first new product for the company in roughly a decade. The conference would also feature several new MacBooks and operating system updates — iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, and watchOS 10 — along with a revised software development kit (SDK).
Gurman added that Apple’s Reality headset would prepare the firm “for a future beyond the iPhone and iPad.”
Gurman wrote at the time,
“I’m told the device will come with a clear story for developers — in terms of how they’ll want to use it — and much of the weeklong conference will showcase the headset’s on-board App Store and accompanying tools.”
He added that executives from the Cupertino-based firm believed the device would have a “slow start.” Despite this, it could potentially replace the iPhone, Gurman explained.
Gurman wrote that the headset was unlikely to launch for several months, “giving developers time to create mixed-reality apps and services.”
He concluded in his newsletter,
“When Apple previously intended to introduce the headset in March, the idea was to release it publicly in September. With the debut now coming in June — and recent production hiccups potentially slowing the process — I now believe that Apple will be happy just to get it out in time for the holidays.”
Apple’s WWDC Reality Pro Headset Reveal
Demond Cureton, Senior Journalist for XR Today, analysing the recent updates on Apple’s reported debut of the Reality headset.
Despite unveiling the MR device at the WWDC, the company’s move to push back its sales kick-off reflects earlier sentiments from analysts.
Veteran analyst Ming-Chi Kuo tweeted earlier in April that Apple would push back the headset’s launch to later in 2023. This has left many others to speculate whether or not Apple would tease audiences with the anticipated immersive device at the WWDC event.
Kuo added that market feedback on the device has sharply influenced Apple’s decision to delay the headset’s release.
He explained further in his tweet,
“The main concerns for Apple not being very optimistic regarding the market feedback to the AR/MR headset announcement include the economic downturn, compromises on some hardware specifications for mass production (such as weight), the readiness of the ecosystem and applications, a high selling price (USD 3,000-4,000 or even higher), etc”
Intentions and Mentions
However, after Apple’s board of investors received a teaser of the headset, Apple is expected to update potential consumers and clients at the WWDC. Those hungry to see how the device functions will want to remain updated on its tangible functionality rather than hearsay reports across the media.
This will also allow Apple to keep the interest of its fans by showcasing its innovative qualities in the company. Due to the recent reportedly mixed reviews of the iPhone 13 and 14, Apple will likely use the WWDC to bounce back as a major innovator in the tech space.
Its MR headset device is one of its first novel products in nearly ten years. Depending on its product price point, it could push into the growing mixed reality headset space, competing with the Meta Quest Pro, HTC VIVE XR Elite, Pico 4 Enterprise, and many others.
However, the company’s drive to create new apps and software solutions could limit interoperability with other companies. Many headsets are based on AndroidOS and Windows, leaving Apple to start from scratch in its development pool. This could also incur additional costs for the tech giant, namely in an industry where companies are tightening their belts in XR investment.
What to Expect from Apple’s Big Show
Apple is also expected to clarify its partnership with Disney and whether it will continue following the latter’s moves to eliminate its Metaverse department. With Disney’s withdrawal from developing metaverse solutions, Apple will now have to redevelop partnerships across the global tech industry. This will lead to more sustainable, profitable ventures to realise the Metaverse and its full potential. Doing so could also help Apple to avoid the setbacks faced by many companies such as Meta, Amazon, Google, and others amid the current market volatility.
Apple has also shelved its augmented reality (AR) smart glasses as it shifts production to Chinese manufacturing giant Luxshare. As it aims to restructure its manufacturing supply chains, it will need additional time to sort out any further inconsistencies amid struggles with chipsets, components, and shortages.
The WWDC should offer Apple fans a glimmer of hope for the device in a market plagued by challenges. Some media reports have speculated that Apple could ‘save the Metaverse.’ However, Apple’s best approach is a sober, incremental progression to a fully-fledged ecosystem while balancing its profits and budget.
The Metaverse will take time to develop, and Apple’s history of following cautious approaches, followed by major reveals, could show the XR industry how it’s done. The best things come to those who wait, some would say.
The views in this analysis piece are solely those of the author and do not reflect the XR Today brand, its partners, or affiliates.
