Amid the many rumors and reports regarding Apple AR/VR headset, the latest one from supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the AR/VR headset could weigh less than 150 grams, which would make it the lightest headsets on the market currently.
The Cupertino tech giant seems to be working its best to make its AR/VR headsets as light as possible. Making it light would mean that it can be used for longer periods of time. The report shows that Apple can achieve reduced weight by adopting Fresnel’s hybrid ultra-short focal length lenses.
Apple AR/VR headset to arrive with ultra-short focal length lenses and will weigh less than 150 grams
In a research note acquired by 9to5Mac, Kuo mentions that the current virtual reality headsets generally weigh more than 300 grams, something that Apple wants to solve for its own headsets. Kuo thinks that Apple will adopt Fresnel’s hybrid ultra-short focal length lenses for its AR/VR headsets for improved field of view, reduced weight, and thickness.
For video-see-through AR HMDs and VR HMDs, the critical design trend is to achieve a thin and light design with an ultra-short focal length lens/Fresnel lens. The design challenge is also related to the display, optical material, thermal, and production. We believe that solving this complicated optical design is one of the major competitive advantages of video-see-through AR HMDs and in the future.
According to the supply chain analyst, the headsets will feature lenses made of plastic rather than glass, however, details about the durability of the material are unclear. If Apple achieves the right weight, it would be lighter than Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 (645 grams), Oculus Quest 2 (503 grams), and Valve Index (809 grams). Also, given that the current iPhone 12 weighs 164 grams, the mixed reality headset would be lighter than your iPhone.
AR devices generally feature a compact, favorable form factor, while VR devices provide an immersive experience. Apple’s intent is to not make the headset clunky and also make it lightweight. Kuo further says that in order to compensate for the reduced brightness caused by Fresnel’s hybrid lenses, Apple might go for micro-OLED displays for its AR/VR headsets.
According to prior reports, Kuo reported earlier this month that Apple’s AR/VR headsets could feature 15 camera modules. Another report suggests that the company’s headset could feature eye-tracking iris recognition.
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