Apple is set to unveil its first Reality Pro mixed reality headset during the WWDC developer conference, scheduled for June 5–9, 2023. Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicate that the company is also bracing for manufacturing challenges tied to bringing the device to market.
The Reality Pro is described as a hybrid device that blends augmented reality and virtual reality. Users will be able to step into immersive digital environments through high-resolution displays while still perceiving the real world via outward-facing cameras. The headset is envisioned with a ski-goggle-inspired design and it will rely on an external battery for power.
According to sources cited by WSJ, Apple has begun preparations for a WWDC reveal and is developing a demo version of the headset. A wider consumer launch is anticipated to occur in the fall of 2023, with mass production aimed at December. These milestones illustrate Apple’s plan to balance early access for developers with a broader market rollout later in the year.
Industry insiders and suppliers are reportedly cautious about possible manufacturing delays, driven by the challenge of integrating the headset with new software and meeting anticipated demand. The projected price point, estimated around $3,000, could also deter some potential buyers in the early stages of adoption.
The Wall Street Journal confirms that Apple intends to host multiple developer sessions during WWDC to foster software development for the new headset, emphasizing the company’s focus on a robust app ecosystem from day one.
In related news, an information leak from a separate tech outlet mentioned potential updates to other Apple devices, though those details are not tied directly to the Reality Pro narrative.