Apple Expected to Launch Mixed-Reality Headset at WWDC 2021
Apple is set to launch its mixed-reality headset at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in California. The headset, which is expected to be Apple‘s most significant product release since the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015, will offer both virtual- and augmented-reality experiences. The company boss Tim Cook is expected to use his keynote speech to present the headset as the future, but with an anticipated price tag of about $3,000 (£2,400), the product may be difficult to sell to consumers.
Features of the Reality Pro Headset
Although Apple has not confirmed the headset‘s existence, leaks have emerged showing the “Reality Pro” headset looking similar to wraparound ski goggles. It will reportedly be smaller and lighter than previous mixed-reality headsets by the removal of the internal battery. The standalone device, which will require the use of an external battery connected to the headset through a cable, is expected to hit the shelves later in the year.
Validation and Credibility for the Technology
According to Sol Rogers from the visual-effects film studio Magnopus, the announcement of the Apple mixed-reality headset at WWDC may not result in an immediate transformation of the industry. Still, it will bring “validation and credibility” to the technology as a whole. The headset may redefine our physical and digital realities, ushering in a future where the extraordinary becomes the everyday when Apple finds success.
The AI Strategy and New Product Releases
It is expected that Mr Cook will also speak about Apple‘s artificial intelligence (AI) strategy during the conference. Apple has been quieter than its competitors Microsoft and Google in the contested AI arms race. Still, recent job openings for more software engineers suggest the company is looking to reinforce its AI expertise. In addition to the mixed-reality headset, Apple is also expected to reveal a 15in (38cm) MacBook Air laptop, updates to its iOS, iPadOS and macOS operating systems, and a mental-health journaling iPhone app at WWDC.
Possible Impact on the Market
The headset market witnessed a 54% drop in global sales last year, according to the International Data Corporation, and many companies invested in mixed-reality technology, including Meta, have struggled to sell their products. Therefore, Mark Zuckerberg, the boss of Meta, may be hoping that Mr Cook’s announcement can refocus attention on the headset market as the next big thing.
Conclusion: Mixed-Reality Headset is the Future of Technology
The launch of the Apple mixed-reality headset is a significant step forward for the technology industry, indicating that mixed-reality is the future of technology. Still, the high price point may prove a challenge to Apple‘s sales performance. Apple‘s long-term investment in artificial intelligence strategy and updates to its other products would also help the company to consolidate its existing market share. Overall, the event is likely to attract considerable attention from both tech enthusiasts and investors alike.
<< photo by Austin Distel >>
