Apple AR/VR headset launch looks confirmed for June 5 (report)

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We could soon get a glimpse into Apple’s mixed reality

apple mixed-reality headset design
(Image credit: Future)

Apple oracle Mark Gurman is confident that the rumored Apple VR/AR headset will be unveiled to the world at WWDC 2023. 

Writing for Bloomberg Gurman is bullish about the June arrival of the so-called Apple Reality Pro headset. He writes that “Apple Inc. has chosen June 5, 2023, as one of the most important days in its history.” and describes the launch of the headset as “the beginning of a post-iPhone era.“ So no pressure on Apple. 

Is now the right time for the Apple headset?

Considering Meta’s struggles to make the Metaverse worthwhile, the failure of Google Glass and even PSVR 2’s underwhelming sales, Apple’s decision to hitch itself to the mixed reality wagon has raised eyebrows, even among its own employees.

Some reports have also claimed that Cupertino’s insistence the headset is released this year is faster than designers want. The designers have reportedly argued that the so-called Reality Pro headset is too heavy and just not quite ready for the masses. We've also heard that the headset will require an external battery pack.

There's also concerns around the rumored $3,000 launch price for the Apple headset. Yes, developers and some early adopters will likely jump on the bandwagon, but it could be a very tough sell in a challenging economy. 

If the release of its headset is going to be Apple’s next “iPhone moment” it will need to get the initial reveal just right. Stay tuned to our Apple VR/AR headset hub and our WWDC 2023 hub for all the latest rumors and leaks. 

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Andy Sansom

Andy is a freelance writer with a passion for streaming and VPNs. Based in the U.K., he originally cut his teeth at Tom's Guide as a Trainee Writer before moving to cover all things tech and streaming at T3. Outside of work, his passions are movies, football (soccer) and Formula 1. He is also something of an amateur screenwriter having studied creative writing at university.