When VR was first introduced, it was thought to be a game changer, and it would only be a matter of time until it would be universally used and a part of our daily life. But so far, VR has not had its breakthrough, despite being hyped for over a decade.
There have been several ways in which VR has been applicated throughout the years. Google famously failed with its Google Glass, which sought to integrate VR into regular glasses. The Oculus Rift and similar devices promised to bring VR to gaming, which seemed like a logical step, but it remained a niche market. Even VR porn, which was one of the earlier boosters for VR, failed to significantly increase VR adoption. For years, VR was seen as the next big thing, with many more promising applications of the technology being introduced, but it never really made it to the mainstream.
Now that Apple may step in to the game, this could change. Apple is rumored to present their first VR headset this year, with sales possibly to start next year. While this is only a rumour, many analysts and insiders believe that Apple is close to finalizing the product.
According to insiders, the headset is going to feature a combination of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality, called mixex reality. The device will be charged wirelessly, likely have more than 12 cameras and lidar sensors to capture its surroundings, and feature "innovative biometrics". The headset is also going to be incredibly light, with a rumoured weight of only 150 grams (5.2 ounces), and the display will use an 8K, which would be the highest resolution of a VR headset to date. There is also like to be an added AMOLED display for peripheral sight, which is going to result in an immersive user experience.
The headset will run on a newly designed chip, that according to analysts will be more powerful than Apple's existing M1 chip.
When Apple introduced the AirPods, they created an entirely new and incredibly successful product category. Wireless earphones are now outselling traditional earphones, and Apple has a market share of almost 35% in the US market, making billions of dollars, despite the AirPods hefty price tag.
It is possible that this success will be repeated with Apples VR headset. Consumers are willing to pay a premium to get Apple products, and they trust the iPhone maker to make products that are worth the money. The simple fact that this is going to be an Apple device is going to be a purchasing incentive. The first generation of the headset will likely be a constrained product that will not even be close to reaching its full potential, similarly to the first iPhone, but if it is going to be even remotely as successful as the AirPods were, it is going to catapult the VR market to heights it has never reached before. Many customers will come in contact with the technology for the first time, and competition by other VR headsets will like spur the further growth of the market and leading to completely new ways of applications for VR technology. When this happens, VR will finally have reached the mainstream, thanks to Apple.
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