The History-Computer source provided an intriguing first look at Apple‘s secretive work on an augmented reality headset dubbed "Apple Glasses". Here‘s a comprehensive overview of leaked details on Apple Glasses capabilities, pricing, launch timeline and more as the tech giant enters the race to define the next computing platform.
Apple‘s History in AR and Early Development
As early as 2016, Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted at the company‘s interest in augmented reality, calling AR "profound" with the potential to "amplify human performance." Over the next 5 years, Apple laid the foundation for their AR glasses:
- 2017 – Released ARKit allowing iPhone/iPad developers to build AR apps
- 2019 – Expanded into location-based AR with Geo AR
- 2020-2022 – Ramped up AR patents covering areas like retinal projection, privacy, and 3D mapping
According to noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple Glasses entered the prototype stage in Q4 2019 with mass production slated for late 2022, aligning with a 2023 product unveiling.
Expected Capabilities and Launch Timeline
While Apple has yet to even publicly acknoweldge its smart glasses project, enough leaks have emerged to piece together potential features and specs:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Retinal projection onto lenses rather than fixed box display (based on patents) |
| Audio | Bone conduction audio interface likely |
| Connectivity | Requires constant iPhone tethering via USB-C or wireless |
| Chipset | Leverages iPhone/iPad processing power |
| Battery life | Unknown |
| Sensors | Lidar, accelerometer, gyroscope and more to enable hand tracking and spatial mapping |
| Cameras | At least 1 exterior camera based on patents |
As for what these futuristic AR glasses can actually do, use cases likely revolve around overlaying digital information and iPhone content directly into the wearer‘s real-world line of sight:
- Maps/directions
- Notifications
- Messaging
- Health/fitness tracking
- Screens and content from iPhone apps
- 3D object detection
- Vision enhancement
- Immersive games/videos
Apple is positioning this as the ultimate iPhone accessory and a new method of interacting with familiar apps and services.
Expected Launch Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Prototyping | 2019-2022 |
| Mass Production | Q4 2022 |
| Product Launch | 2023 |
Price and Positioning: A Premium iPhone Accessory
Renowned Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a starting price around $499 for Apple Glasses with additional charges for prescription lens inserts. This positions the futuristic eyewear firmly as a luxury product beyond the budget of average consumers. However, that pricing makes sense considering the glasses rely entirely on the processing power and connectivity of a paired iPhone to function.
Rather than competing with all-in-one mixed reality headsets like the Meta Quest or microsoft Hololens, Apple Glasses serve as an accessory to deeply integrate iPhones into 3D environments. Lifelong iOS users may happily pay $500 or more for the game-changing possibility of experiencing their digital life overlaid on the real world.
Privacy Concerns and Public Skepticism
Ever since the swift downfall of Google Glass in 2014, the public remains skeptical of headworn digital displays and cameras encroaching into public spaces. However, Apple‘s patented removable camera module and focus on data privacy could alleviate some concerns over potential misuse of recording capabilities.
According to renowned futurist Cathy Hackl, while the AR glasses space shows promise, public trust in the technology remains fragile after prior privacy missteps:
"The biggest risk is that very few companies outside of Apple have built enough brand trust for consumers to comfortably use AR glasses regularly," she said. "If consumers don‘t trust companies to securely handle their biometric data and defend against threats to cybersecurity in the AR cloud ecosystem, they will not embrace it."
Apple‘s unparalleled reputation for security and encryption could provide exactly the watershed moment AR needs to finally move mainstream. Still, Apple faces an uphill battle in convincing consumers to literally place their tech giant of choice in front of their eyes all day.
The Next Computing Revolution or Flop?
History offers examples of both massive success and equally stunning failure when it comes to wearable displays. Will Apple Glasses prove the breakthrough immersive experience CEO Tim Cook expects? Or will they flop like Google Glass and fade into tech lore as a cautionary tale?
At an estimated macet size of over $95 billion by 2025, the stakes couldn‘t be higher for claiming dominance in the next era of spatial computing interfaces. But with an install base over 1 billion loyal iPhone owners globally, Apple wields immense power to popularize augmented reality if they deliver on a usable, helpful experience blending digital enhancements with our analog surroundings.
The world watches and waits eagerly for the release of the first genuine Apple AR product, expected to transcend gadgets and transform how we interact with information itself. Will Apple Glasses live up to this towering hype? For now, the future remains tantalizingly opaque even in this land of leaks and rumors. One thing‘s for certain – with Apple soon to enter the arena, the age of augmented reality has truly begun. The countdown to their game-changing launch starts now.
