Apple hints at headset announcement with targeted WWDC invites
Apple is sending a strong signal that its rumored mixed reality headset will be announced at this year's WWDC.
The company has invited three US publications specializing in virtual and augmented reality coverage to the WWDC keynote, where the headset will reportedly be unveiled.
The publications are UploadVR, Road to VR, and Tested. The former are news publications, while Tested is a YouTube channel dedicated to emergent technologies, among other things. Yesterday, Tested team member Norman Chan confirmed via Twitter that he has been invited to the WWDC 2023 keynote. Chan has been following the XR industry for more than a decade with his impressions and reviews of new VR and AR devices.
here we go pic.twitter.com/8Ul6ZKzqia
— Norman Chan (@nchan) May 23, 2023
Both UploadVR and Road to VR are invited to the WWDC keynote for the first time. Since they specialize in XR, there can only be one reason for this invitation: Apple is finally introducing its mixed reality headset.
Apple's first XR device will be a luxury item
We know from numerous reports that Apple has been working on a headset for more than seven years without ever confirming it. The device should have been unveiled years ago, but the unveiling has reportedly been postponed several times.
Apple's first mixed reality headset is said to be a standalone device, similar to Meta Quest 2, but will have extremely expensive components and cost around $3,000. According to other reports, a more affordable second generation device is planned for 2025. For these and other rumors, check out our article about Apple's Mixed Reality headset.
Apple's entry will be a historic moment for the XR industry. It will be interesting to see if Apple can once again redefine and shape an existing product category.
The keynote begins Wednesday, June 5 at 10 a.m. PDT.
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