Top tech companies today have started the dawn of mixed reality contents. Dedicated hardware and headgears that will allow users to see the real world in a whole new different perspective are now out in the market. However, the public is still waiting for Apple's take on augmented reality (AR), and as per the latest reports, the company's very first AR glasses is well on its way.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is now starting to develop a technology that will prepare the AR glasses in 2019. However, the target shipping date of the AR headgears will be in 2020. It is expected that the Cupertino-based tech giant's upcoming mixed reality headset would be separate from current Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad. The Apple AR glasses would have its very own operating system called the OS or rOS, plus a new custom processor to support AR content.
Bloomberg's sources from Apple suppliers claim that several firms are currently working on the possible AR glasses. In fact, Apple has reportedly hired AR experts to test the technology. Among the rumored experts working together with Apple is Mike Rockwell, Dobly Labs' engineering executive.
Tech Crunch reported Apple's Chief Executive Tim Cook making hints of an AR hardware for the past several months. With the latest development in Apple's products, it looks like the company is slowly embracing AR features, starting with the present iOS 11 version in iPhone and iPad devices. Specifically, one of iOS 11's features, ARKit, allows a software developer to create AR content. So far, the ARKit is getting positive feedbacks from users, which could signal Apple venturing further to the AR technology.
Once the Apple AR glasses is finished in 2019, users can download and install apps from the hardware's own AR app store. However, it is still uncertain if the AR apps have the same mechanisms as Apple's other OS-based programs, like using hand gestures and calling on Siri.
As Apple has no AR device of its own, sources claim that the developers have chosen HTC Vive for testing. The AR glasses will be designed using the iPhone screen, camera, and processors. However, it is speculated that the headset will not be available initially to the public.
