Apple says if you can’t change the world, design it in AR

Investors reaching for the skies…

Apple’s first generation VR goggles are/are not coming in 2023/2025, depending on whose speculation you trust. So, what’s new?

We know it’s a when, not an if

My preference now is to think Apple will introduce these things in some way in 2022.

As written previously, they are expected to be kind of like ski goggles, which means most of us won’t be wearing them walking round town.

This implies the v.1 devices will lean into use of VR for entertainment, which might be fun, but isn’t quite as interesting as the augmentation everywhere I believe Apple has planned for a future iteration.

Though the introduction will deliver a flag in the sand in the real world as battle begins for dominance of our electronic dreams. Though this does rather beg the question if people will become hooked in this new eAge? Apple seems to think they will, so long as the systems put people first.

What can we expect?

The latest set of reports explain:

• Apple’s first generation contraption will arrive next year, accompanied by Reality OS and a developer/software ecosystem.
• Apple may plan to introduce some form of 3D video service and extended reality environments.
• The product will cost up to $3,000, so it’s certainly going to be for early adopters.
• Hardware inside the devices will include an M2 chip, ten cameras and the highest resolution 8K VR displays available.
• Apple is also looking to introduce apps and is searching for people to help build them.
• Apple may also plan to re-introduce Apple World, with a mixed reality twist. I imagine (but don’t know) that this could form the building blocks for the creation of quite complex digital twins for some tasks.

For me, the one more thing here is to ask if Apple intends broadcasting sports games in 3D once it begins new contracts with some key sports?

What about sports in 3D?

I think doing so would stimulate sales, even for a first-generation product that costs up to $3,000. Soccer fans might enjoy the chance to watch matches from multiple angles in 3D. Alternatively (and probably a lot easier to film), it could start a nice line in 3D live music performances.

I’m certain the company intends augmenting traditional sports broadcasting with additional information and sharing features. It seems inevitable this will include 3D, if not now, then eventually.

We know they’ll keep things interesting

In previous episodes of ‘What Apple is planning’ we’ve also heard of gesture-based controls, advanced biometrics, and the company hopes to shift just under a million of these things in year one. (While the data seems a little high, 29% of US consumers plan to buy a VR headset next year, according to Arris).

That latter sales metric makes for some decent revenue for the company, but it’s also important to consider that once Apple does ship these things then all its other product lines will probably benefit because of renewed interest in the company.

In other words, these devices won’t just sell on their own account, they should also stimulate sales of other products and services from the company.

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