Apple is planning to announce its long-rumored mixed-reality headset in the coming months, as per Bloomberg. The reveal comes in a piece by Mark Gurman which talks about how Apple is keen to move back to in-person events and expects WWDC 2021 to be its last online-only event.
Apple’s mixed reality headset announcement is closer than expected
Apple is looking forward to announcing its AR/VR mixed reality headset in-person with employees, media, and its partners. The company revels in the opportunity to gain feedback during its in-person event announcements, and shape how the world sees them for the first time. Mark Gurman writes for Bloomberg:
But I believe that internally, Apple hopes that WWDC 2021 will be its last developer conference in a purely digital format—and that the return to in-person media events will begin by early next year. The company makes hardware: It wants attendees, as well as more of its employees, back in-person to use, test and develop those products.
Apple has mastered the art of revealing its products, and then providing hands-on demos to attendees, after which they share their first thoughts in the media.
Take conferences: By all accounts, last year’s virtual WWDC was a success. But Apple’s real-world gatherings bring dozens or hundreds of journalists together in one room, essentially ensuring coverage of the announcement can be choreographed by Apple to exacting specifications. From the way lighting shines on products to the exact moment media members are ushered to a hands-on area for a first crack at the gadgets, everything is perfectly shaped to help the world see Apple’s announcements the way Apple wants them to be seen.
It is unclear whether Apple’s plans will work out and if it will get to showcase its mixed-reality headset, its foray into a major new product category after a long time, in front of a live audience.
Sometime in the next several months, the company is poised to announce a mixed reality headset, its first major new device since 2015. If possible, Apple won’t want to make such a critical announcement at an online event. It wants employees, the media, its partners and developers in the room.
Apple has been working to encourage its employees to get vaccinated, even offering paid time off for them to get their shots or deal with any after-effects of the vaccination. Many employees are already working in Apple’s offices, however, it is far from normal numbers. There are many products that Apple simply cannot work on with remote employees, and these include its car, AR/VR headset, and upcoming iPads, iPhones, and Macs.
Read more:
- Apple VR/AR headset to launch in 2022, AR Glasses in 2025 – Report
- Apple AR/VR headset will weigh less than 150 grams and feature ultra-short focal length lenses
- Apple’s mixed reality AR headset will be equipped with 15 camera modules – Kuo
- Apple’s mixed reality headset could feature eye tracking and iris recognition
