According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple is currently engaged in the development of a premium virtual reality headset, with a potential market release anticipated in 2022. This headset is expected to incorporate dedicated processors and its own power source, and sources indicate it may utilize a chip that surpasses the capabilities of the M1 Apple Silicon processor found in the current MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro models.

As is common with reports concerning products still some time from launch, Bloomberg notes that these plans are subject to change or potential cancellation. Apple frequently discontinues projects, even after significant investments of both time and resources. The headset is projected to have a price point exceeding that of many existing high-end VR headsets, some of which approach $1,000, and will initially be marketed as a specialized, low-volume product targeting professional users – similar to Apple’s current strategy with the Mac Pro and Pro Display XDR.

The headset’s primary focus will be virtual reality, though it will also incorporate some augmented reality functionalities, albeit in a limited capacity, through the use of external cameras to overlay digital visuals onto real-world views. This contrasts with earlier speculation that Apple’s initial foray into head-mounted displays would be consumer-focused augmented reality smart glasses. Bloomberg reports that while the VR headset is in an advanced prototype phase, the AR glasses are at a much earlier stage of design and are likely to be released at least a year or more after the VR headset.

This approach appears to involve creating a technologically advanced, high-performance, and expensive device intended for limited sales, which will allow Apple to refine production processes and reduce the costs associated with the underlying technologies, ultimately preparing the way for more widely accessible products in the future.

The report suggests the device’s size will be comparable to the Oculus Quest, and it may feature a fabric exterior to minimize weight. The external cameras could also enable environment and hand tracking, and there is a possibility that the headset will launch with a dedicated App Store for virtual reality applications.

Despite being a relatively new market segment, even considering the success of products like the Oculus Quest and PlayStation VR, virtual reality continues to evolve. Facebook has demonstrated a strong commitment to ongoing investment and improvement in its VR offerings, and Apple may share a similar outlook. The company has already dedicated considerable effort to augmented reality development on the iPhone, and CEO Tim Cook has consistently voiced positive expectations regarding the future of AR in various public statements.