Buzz
Information about this product has been widely shared recently. In this article, let's compile the potential features that might debut on Apple's first AR/VR mixed reality glasses.
4K Micro-OLED Display
Apple plans to utilize two high-resolution 4K micro-OLED displays from Sony, boasting an impressive 3,000 pixels per inch. Compared to Meta's latest Quest Pro with an LCD screen, Apple aims to provide a significantly more advanced display.
The Micro-OLED display is directly integrated onto the semiconductor substrates of the chip, not on a glass substrate, allowing for a thinner, smaller, and lighter screen, while also being more energy-efficient than LCD displays.
Integrated Cameras
Rumor has it that Apple will equip its AR/VR mixed reality glasses with more than 10 cameras to translate real-world movements into virtual ones. The product is said to feature two downward-facing cameras to precisely capture foot movement, providing a unique capability for more accurate motion tracking.
These cameras are expected to map the environment, detect surfaces, edges, and dimensions in the room with precision, as well as humans and other objects.
Eye Scanning
To ensure privacy and security, the AR/VR glasses are anticipated to integrate an eye-scanning machine for payment authentication and password replacement.
The eye-scanning feature on the AR/VR glasses is rumored to resemble Face ID and Touch ID on iPhone, , and Mac. It may allow two users to share the same AR/VR glasses, a feature absent in competitors like Meta's latest Quest Pro.
Facial Expression Tracking
The cameras in Apple's AR/VR glasses will be able to read facial features and turn them into virtual avatars. So, whether you're smiling or frowning in real life, your virtual avatar will have the same expression across different applications, similar to how the TrueDepth camera system works with Memoji and Animoji on iPhones and iPads.
Gesture Control
3D sensor modules will detect hand gestures for control purposes and will have skin detection capability. Apple's AR/VR mixed reality glasses will support voice control as well as the virtual assistant Siri, like other Apple devices.
Air Gesture Input
For text input, the AR/VR glasses will support 'air typing' functionality, with the ability to recognize finger movements through the integrated camera.
Sleek and Lightweight Design
Apple is striving for comfort, and their rumored AR/VR glasses are said to be made from mesh fabric and aluminum, making them lighter and thinner compared to other competitors in the market. Apple is rumored to target a weight of around 200 grams, significantly lighter than Meta's 722-gram Quest Pro.
In March 2021, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that current prototypes weigh around 200 to 300 grams, but it's unclear whether Apple can achieve that weight later in the development process.
External Battery Connection
While most AR/VR glasses on the market have built-in batteries, Apple is planning for its product to connect to a separate external battery worn at the waist. The external battery will provide power for the AR glasses for about two hours and can be swapped for continuous use while charging the second battery.
Innovative App Experience
Apple's mixed reality VR glasses will operate on a new operating system named xrOS, also referred to as 'Reality OS'. Apple is crafting unique applications designed exclusively for the augmented reality experience.
Specifically, the tech giant is rumored to be planning an experience akin to VR FaceTime with Animoji. Here, you can witness a 3D Animoji or Memoji version of an individual. The facial expression detection feature will enable the AR glasses to read facial features and expressions, synchronizing them in real-time for a vivid and lifelike chat experience.
Apple is collaborating with media partners for content viewable in VR, integrating seamlessly with Apple TV+. Users will immerse themselves in TV shows and programs within a virtual reality environment, with the display set against backdrops like deserts or mountains.
Apple's Silicon Chip
Indications suggest Apple will harness the power of two robust processors like the Silicon M2 for AR/VR glasses. This move promises more integrated computing power compared to rival products. According to sources, Apple will employ a high-end main processor and an auxiliary processor to manage various sensors within the device.
With two Apple silicon chips at its core, the AR glasses will no longer rely on a connection to the iPhone or Mac for power, enabling standalone operation.
