The metaverse is 'off limits' on Apple's VR headset, claims report

Apple's VR and AR headset isn't intended for long periods of usage, with the company reportedly diverting away from the so-called "metaverse" vision in favor of shorter experiences.

Mixed reality headsets have been touted as the next big thing in computing, handling everything from games and entertainment to work and education. However, while some tech companies are leaning towards enabling users to spend a long time in their headsets, Apple is allegedly going in the opposite direction.

According to sources of Mark Gurman's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple has thought about the metaverse, but seeks to avoid it. "I've been told pretty directly that the idea of a completely virtual world where users can escape to - like they can in Meta Platforms/Facebook's vision of the future - is off limits from Apple," writes Gurman.

Rather than using the headset as an "all-day device," Apple instead intends for it to be used for smaller "bursts."

Current speculation has Apple preparing for the launch of its first headset by the end of 2022, but in very limited quantities. It is believed to have a curved visor with AirPods Max-style padding, as well as bands similar to the design of Apple Watch sport bands.

It is also thought to use lightweight materials, have an M1-level processing system onboard for high-end applications and development, and use a secondary processor to handle sesnsor tracking. Those sensors could include a LiDAR system to track the user's hands without a controller, though controllers could still be used for more precise control.

Price rumors for the device run between $1,000 and $3,000.

38 Comments

starof80 19 comments · 4 Years

About 2 years ago

If the rumors about this is true, Apple would be smart to reconsider about getting in the Metaverse. They will be left behind.

Mike Wuerthele 6906 comments · 8 Years

starof80 said:

If the rumors about this is true, Apple would be smart to reconsider about getting in the Metaverse. They will be left behind.

Considering that "metaverse" is just a nebulous and wobbly term that Epic and Facebook cooked up to dodge criticisms and doesn't mean a single thing right now, it's not much of a concern today.

flydog 1141 comments · 14 Years

starof80 said:

If the rumors about this is true, Apple would be smart to reconsider about getting in the Metaverse. They will be left behind.

Sounds like you’ve used both facebook’s nonexistent metaverse products and Apple’s rumored mixed reality headset extensively, and at this point feel that you know enough to make an informed opinion on the subject.

When you get a chance let us know if the iPhone 18 is worth buying.

blastdoor 3594 comments · 15 Years

Mike Wuerthele said:

starof80 said:

If the rumors about this is true, Apple would be smart to reconsider about getting in the Metaverse. They will be left behind.

Considering that "metaverse" is just a nebulous and wobbly term that Epic and Facebook cooked up to dodge criticisms and doesn't mean a single thing right now, it's not much of a concern today.

I think 'metaverse' means the same thing as 'social network' -- it's a vehicle for selling ads and manipulating people, full stop.

Just like Apple doesn't have a 'social network' but does (through Messages and FaceTime) have a network through which people have positive social interactions with friends and family, I suspect Apple will not participate in the 'metaverse' but will have AR/VR devices that provide entertainment and help people to be more productive.

The part about Apple not participating in Zuckerberg's definition of the 'metaverse' rings 100% true.

I'm still skeptical of the $3k price tag, though. It's not impossible, but it's been a very long time since Apple tried to enter a new product category with something priced that high. Adjusted for inflation, the original iPod would cost about $628 today; the original iPhone $670; the original iPad $637.

You have to go back to 'old apple' to find higher priced new entrants. The original Newton MessagePad would cost about $1700 today; the original Macintosh about $6700.

I can believe that the AR/VR thing might cost more than the iPod / iPhone / iPad, but I bet the starting price still comes in under $1000.

The argument that a higher price is due to the product being aimed at 'developers' also seems inconsistent with past experience. Apple has sold limited volume machines aimed at 'developers', but we have recent experience with what that looks like:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developer_Transition_Kit