Apple’s next big event – WWDC 2023 — is fast approaching, and the closer we get, the more details are coming to light about the announcement that’s set to steal the show: the Apple VR headset.
This long-rumored VR device could finally be unveiled at the upcoming Apple conference, but you might want to keep your hype in check. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman published A detailed look at the challenges facing the headset, based on comments from Insiders familiar with the project.
However, things may not be all murky and gloomy for Apple. While there are four key reasons why the Apple VR Headset could end up being another Newton, there are four reasons we can think of why it could succeed against all odds.
A tough road lies ahead of us
The most obvious point of concern is the price. The headset is rumored to cost $3,000 (about £2,200 / AU$4,400) because it is Reportedly stuffed with high-end components. According to Gurman, at one point Apple considered selling the device at a loss, but ultimately chose to sell it at cost — making it significantly more expensive than much of the competition.
That’s not the only problem the device faces, according to Gurman. Another reason is that despite the high cost, it didn’t meet some of Apple’s design and technical goals. Its abilities to act as an external Mac monitor and make video calls with multiple people are “less advanced than the company originally intended.” Additionally, Apple had to make a “very Apple-uncharacteristic compromise” and move to an iPhone-sized battery that can be carried in the user’s pocket and attached to the headset, although Apple wanted the battery to be integrated into the headset over a headset Cable.
This leads to the third problem Gurman outlined: trade-offs. In addition to moving the battery from the headset to the user’s pocket, Apple also had to make other compromises when Apple realized that its original vision was not feasible. For example, the headset was apparently supposed to be glasses, but unfortunately this was not possible. Instead, the headset will have an outward-facing display to show the wearer’s eye movements and facial expressions – which to this author (someone who’s tested multiple VR and AR devices for TechRadar) sounds like a completely pointless feature that makes the The price of the gadget has increased for no good reason.
Internal conflicts appear to have led to the headset being pushed in multiple directions to accommodate conflicting visions – and the end result could be a disjointed mix of ideas rather than a finely tuned premium product.
The result leads to the fourth major criticism. Because the Apple VR headset tries to do too much at once, people familiar with the project have complained that it lacks a clear purpose. If Apple employees aren’t sure why the headset exists and what it’s going to be used for, it could be difficult to convince customers to spend significant sums of money.
It’s not all doom and gloom
All in all, the Apple VR headset might not be doomed.
Criticism that the Apple VR headset doesn’t have a clear purpose is akin to criticism of the original Apple Watch – a device that seems fairly successful given it’s now in its eighth generation and shows no sign of it shows that it will soon disappear. Not all designers are the same, and where one sees a device struggling to find its place, another sees it hit the mark head on. Just as some members of the Apple team got it wrong with the Apple Watch, they could get it wrong with the Apple VR headset.
Then there is software. Apple will likely unveil its new gadget at WWDC 2023 – its annual developer conference. We’ve said before that WWDC is the best possible launch event for the Apple headset because it gives developers a chance to try the headset, fall in love, and be inspired to create apps for it. If this move works, the Apple headset could match Meta’s impressive Quest library with similarly extensive third-party support.
Another factor that speaks in Apple’s favor is the state of the VR space. 2022 was an underperforming year for VR (via forbes (opens in new tab)), and the MetaQuest Pro and other productivity-focused headsets have failed to generate the same buzz that propelled this OculusQuest 2 to the superstar. The OculusQuest 3 Maybe interest could pick up again later this year, but for now, Apple has a chance to get out earlier, come out with a bang, and steal the show. The tech and the software are there, Apple just needs to package them right to be on the winning side.
Another detail Gurman doesn’t elaborate on but is worth mentioning is that rumors and leaks can be false – it wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen something like this with Apple products. Before its unveiling, there were reports that the original iPad could cost $800 to $1,000 (via Apple Insider (opens in new tab)); When it actually launched, the cheapest version was only $499.
Likewise, the $3,000 price tag associated with the Apple headset could be dead wrong. If it’s closer to $1,500, Apple’s new product would have a much easier chance of competing with rivals like the Meta Quest Pro and others HTC Vive XR Elite.
We won’t know what Apple has in store for us until Apple unveils the VR headset at an upcoming event. Then, when the device is finally announced, we’ll be sure to update you on everything you need to know.
