Toni Dimaano Tech 02.26.2023 22:Feb PM EST

Apple's Reality Pro Headset Will Not Require An iPhone Setup, Reports Say

Prior to an anticipated announcement in June, Apple is hard at work perfecting the initial iteration of its AR/VR gear.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman writes that the most recent test versions of the Reality Pro headset "will not require an iPhone for setup or use."

Reality Pro Will Be Independent And Direct From iCloud

According to 9to5 Mac, this is a significant departure from other Apple products, such the Apple Watch, which at first needed an iPhone for setup.

The headset from Reality Pro will allow for autonomous setup and direct iCloud data downloads for users.

It might be because the headgear will allegedly use the powerful M2 microprocessor, as per a report by Gurman.

Gurman claims that the M2 chipset lacks the power necessary to deliver graphics at a level that would please the Cupertino team.

Because of that, FaceTime group conversations will thus only display two of the callers in realistic virtual reality visuals.

Nonetheless, customers will have the choice to move their data directly from an iPhone or iPad to the headset, much like the setup procedure for other Apple devices.

As Meta's Quest 2 is already intended to be used independently of other hardware, even though users can still interact with it via a companion app, the argument that it is independent hardware is quite credible.

Additionally, the Reality Pro headset, in contrast to other AR/VR headsets on the market, will not include a remote control and will instead rely on the user's hands and eyes for control.

Eye and hand tracking, as well as in-air typing, are used to interact with the headset, however this has been "finicky in testing," Apple Insider writes.

Although users might have to use the iPhone's keyboard to enter text, it is anticipated that software upgrades would be released to immediately fix any issues after launch.

It is also notable that Apple is developing a second-generation Reality Pro headset with a focus on performance in the future.

Apple is rumored to be working on its first augmented reality headset, which is anticipated to debut in 2023, maybe before or during WWDC 2023.

Digital Crowns And A Cheaper Version Of The Headset Might Be Available In The Future

By the end of 2024 or the start of 2025, Apple may release a less expensive version of the Reality Pro headset, which could be called "Reality One."

This is for individuals who are unable to afford or uncomfortable with the concept of spending up to $3,000.

In the meantime, the first "Pro" model might have up to 12 cameras and come equipped with cutting-edge head and eye tracking sensors, spatial audio functionality, and a 4K micro-LED display for each eye.

Users will also be easily transitioned from the immersive realm of Virtual Reality with realistic simulations of specific locations to Augmented Reality using a Digital Crown that resembles the one on the Apple Watch.

Phone Arena details that the latter displays computer-generated data overlaid on a real-world video from one of the headset's cameras.

Apple has postponed the debut and delivery of its mixed reality headgear, which was initially scheduled to be released early this year.

It is reportedly due to difficulties with mechanical component drop tests and a lack of software development tools, as analyst Ming-Chi Kuo notes.