Apple’s Reality Pro: What We Know Ahead of WWDC 2023

On Monday, June 5, at the highly anticipated WWDC conference held in Apple Park, Cupertino, Apple is expected to make an exciting announcement that will mark the introduction of a groundbreaking new product category. This upcoming gadget from Apple will be unlike anything the company has ever released before, capturing the attention and curiosity of tech enthusiasts worldwide.

According to various reports and rumors circulating in the tech community, the product is likely to be an innovative mixed reality headset. Although nothing has been officially confirmed by Apple at this point, there are strong indications pointing towards the unveiling of this headset at WWDC. Notably, Apple has sent invitations to media outlets specializing in virtual and augmented reality, which is seen as a compelling hint that something significant related to these technologies is on the horizon.

While the details are still mostly speculative, we can gather some insights into what Apple’s first-ever mixed reality headset might entail. It is important to approach these details with caution since rumors about upcoming Apple products don’t always align with the final outcome.

First and foremost, the anticipated name for this groundbreaking device is believed to be “Reality Pro.” Although Apple has also trademarked other names in a similar vein, such as “Reality One” and “Reality Processor,” most sources suggest that “Reality Pro” is the most likely choice.

Compared to Apple’s typical product launches, the Reality Pro headset is expected to deviate from the norm in several ways. It is projected to carry a hefty price tag, potentially in the range of $3,000, and be primarily targeted at developers rather than general consumers. Reports indicate that the design of the headset may not be as sleek and streamlined as what we’ve come to expect from Apple’s product lineup. Additionally, the headset might require tethering to an external battery via a cable, which is seen as a trade-off for potentially enhancing comfort and reducing weight.

To maintain a lightweight and comfortable feel, Apple is likely to incorporate premium materials such as aluminum, glass, and carbon fiber into the headset’s construction. It is anticipated that the headset will feature a rubbery band at the back, allowing users to securely fit it over their heads. However, it’s worth noting that Apple’s final design may differ from the current rumors and reports.

One design element that could make the headset familiar to Apple Watch users is the inclusion of a digital crown. This digital crown, located on the side of the device, is expected to serve as a key control mechanism, enabling users to switch between virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. Imagine having the ability to block out the distractions around you with a simple turn of this small knob.

In terms of specifications, the Reality Pro headset is predicted to be powered by one or possibly two M2-level chips. This significant processing power, combined with Sony-made 4K OLED displays, is expected to deliver an immersive and visually stunning experience. To enhance tracking capabilities, the headset may boast a multitude of cameras both inside and outside, enabling precise eye movement and hand gesture tracking. There are even reports suggesting the inclusion of an iris scanner for secure identification during logins and payments.

The combination of powerful chips and advanced tracking technology should result in a smooth and immersive mixed reality experience. Rather than isolating users from the real world, the headset’s cameras will provide them with the ability to see and interact with their surroundings. Apple’s proprietary streaming codec, developed specifically for this headset, is said to contribute to a nearly lag-free and highly realistic representation of the environment. Furthermore, Apple’s integration of virtual objects into the real world will unlock novel and unprecedented experiences, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on Apple devices.

While the headset is anticipated to offer an exceptional experience, one aspect that might raise some concerns is its battery life. Reports suggest that the Reality Pro headset will have a two-hour battery life, which appears relatively low compared to other Apple devices. However, this aligns with the battery life of Meta’s Quest 2 headset, providing some context within the industry.

Accompanying the headset, Apple is said to introduce a new operating system called xrOS. Although it will maintain the familiar feel of Apple’s other operating systems, xrOS will serve as a unique platform tailored for the mixed reality environment. Users can expect features that combine eye-tracking and hand gestures to facilitate various tasks. Additionally, xrOS will likely have its own dedicated App Store, offering a range of applications optimized for mixed reality experiences. Notably, there have been intriguing predictions that users will be able to create animated objects in virtual reality simply by interacting with Siri through voice commands.

The Reality Pro headset is expected to launch with a diverse selection of apps, including familiar ones such as Safari, Maps, Apple Music, and FaceTime. Virtual video chats are likely to be an important selling point, with Apple leveraging the headset’s capabilities in this area. Furthermore, reports indicate that the headset will offer an array of new apps, catering to various interests and needs. These may include gaming experiences, a dedicated sports portal, the ability to use the headset as an external monitor for Mac devices, collaboration tools, a unique fitness experience, and much more.

Although the headset can be connected to an iPhone or Mac, it is anticipated to function as a standalone device, not requiring constant tethering for operation. This level of independence grants users the freedom to immerse themselves fully in the mixed reality world without being tied to other devices.

As with any rumors and pre-release information, it’s crucial to approach these details with a degree of skepticism until Apple officially confirms its plans. Nonetheless, the prospect of Apple’s entry into the mixed reality space with the Reality Pro headset, accompanied by the xrOS operating system, is undeniably exciting and holds the promise of revolutionizing our interactions with technology and the world around us.