Apple acquires virtual reality video streaming startup NextVR

Apple on Thursday confirmed that it has acquired NextVR, a California startup that produces virtual reality live events content.

NextVR is a live events company that provides sports, concert and other live VR content to headset manufacturers such as Facebook's Oculus. Rumors that Apple was eyeing the Newport Beach, California-based company surfaced in April.

Apple confirmed the acquisition to Bloomberg on Thursday, shortly after NextVR updated its website with a landing page saying that it is "heading in a new direction." The startup reportedly shut down operations this week.

No purchase price was revealed, though previous reports suggested that the deal was valued at about $100 million.

Back in April, a shell company thought to be controlled by Apple was said to be prepared to hire the majority of NextVR's engineers. In addition to talent, NextVR reportedtly holds at least 40 patents in the virtual reality sphere and related technologies..

Apple has invested heavily in augmented and virtual reality, with many rumors suggesting that the company is developing a pair of AR glasses or an AR headset. A recent forecast from well-connected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that the first Apple AR device could launch in 2022.

The acquisition of NextVR is at least Apple's third in 2020. Earlier in 2020, Apple purchased voice technology startup Voysis and weather app Dark Sky.

13 Comments

JinTech 1054 comments · 9 Years

About 4 years ago

If this software is already on the market, this tells me we should be seeing some sort of Apple AR device be ready in the next three to six months. They will want something like this baked in and ready to go at launch, otherwise, why acquire?

billsd 1 comment · 4 Years

A device, I'm sure there is one.

What I found interesting was that this company was more about producing live events. I could totally see Apple Music (Concerts, Videos) and Apple TV (Live Sports, Theater) offering exciting new media to take advantage of this new device. It's apple's style not just to provide a device, but get the industry started on reasons to use the device.

This may be the right time give that we're in the age of social distancing. A new way to enjoy live performances.

leavingthebigg 1291 comments · 11 Years

JinTech said:

If this software is already on the market, this tells me we should be seeing some sort of Apple AR device be ready in the next three to six months. They will want something like this baked in and ready to go at launch, otherwise, why acquire?

To me, the purchase fits perfectly with the recent news of Apple going on an iCloud infrastructure hiring spree.

Japhey 1772 comments · 6 Years

JinTech said:

If this software is already on the market, this tells me we should be seeing some sort of Apple AR device be ready in the next three to six months. They will want something like this baked in and ready to go at launch, otherwise, why acquire?

It would be cool if you are right, but 3-6 months seems extremely optimistic. It took Apple 11 months to launch Music after closing the Beats acquisition, and 12 months for News+ following the Texture acquisition. So, at least a year seems more realistic here. Also, in addition to the talent and IP, preventing a potential acquisition of NextVR by a competitor such as Microsoft or Facebook was probably a key factor for Apple.

Japhey said:

JinTech said:

If this software is already on the market, this tells me we should be seeing some sort of Apple AR device be ready in the next three to six months. They will want something like this baked in and ready to go at launch, otherwise, why acquire?

It would be cool if you are right, but 3-6 months seems extremely optimistic. It took Apple 11 months to launch Music after closing the Beats acquisition, and 12 months for News+ following the Texture acquisition. So, at least a year seems more realistic here. Also, in addition to the talent and IP, preventing a potential acquisition of NextVR by a competitor such as Microsoft or Facebook was probably a key factor for Apple.

True, maybe more like 12 months. For sure, seems like this would have been a ripe acquisition for Microsoft or Facebook. Glad Apple got to them first!

leavingthebigg said:

JinTech said:

If this software is already on the market, this tells me we should be seeing some sort of Apple AR device be ready in the next three to six months. They will want something like this baked in and ready to go at launch, otherwise, why acquire?

To me, the purchase fits perfectly with the recent news of Apple going on an iCloud infrastructure hiring spree.

That's interesting, didn't know that Apple was going on an iCloud infrastructure hiring spree! Makes sense!