‘Still no Apple Glasses?’ Fans express their disappointment as Apple’s WWDC event ends without a single mention of a mixed reality headset
- Apple was rumoured to be giving details of its first smart glasses at WWDC
- But the event has ended without any mention of such a device
- Apple fans have flocked to Twitter to express their disappointment
Apple fans have flocked to Twitter to express their disappointment following the tech giant’s WWDC event.
While Apple was highly rumoured to be giving details of its first smart glasses, the event ended without a single mention.
Instead, Apple gave details on its latest iPhone and iPad software updates, as well as a new MacBook Pro.
While Apple was highly rumoured to be giving details of its first smart glasses, the event ended without a single mention. Pictured is a promo image released by the tech giant last year showing a memoji character that was seen as a reference to AR glasses
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AR AND VR?
Virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation of an environment or situation
- It immerses the user by making them feel like they are in the simulated reality through images and sounds
- For example, in VR, you could feel like you’re climbing a mountain while you’re at home
In contrast, augmented reality layers computer-generated images on top of an existing reality
- AR is developed into apps to bring digital components into the real world
- For example, in the Pokemon Go app, the characters seem to appear in real world scenarios
Taking to Twitter following the event, one user wrote: ‘No Apple Glasses this year.’
Another added: ‘And that’s a wrap! Zero mention of Apple Glasses or realityOS. Welp, ok.’
And one joked: ‘Years without apple ar glasses: 3.’
The iPhone maker has long been rumoured to be working on a ‘mixed reality’ headset, which would enable users to see virtual items overlaid on the real world in front of them.
Ahead of the company’s Worldwide Developer Conference, reports from the US suggested Apple could use the event to preview the device for the first time, along with a new dedicated software platform said to be called RealityOS.
The smart glasses, which will be used for both virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are rumoured to have been in development for years.
In 2020, leaker and technology analyst Jon Prosser claimed to have seen two prototypes of the AR glasses at the company’s premises – one white and one black.
Both models, which were described as ‘clean’ and ‘slick’ in appearance, would be 5G-compatible, Prosser said.
The AR glasses, simply called ‘Apple Glasses’, are allegedly not sunglasses but normal prescription glasses that display an interface on the inside of the lens – not dissimilar to what’s depicted in Apple’s promo image (above).
Wearers would be able to use their gaze to select apps on the AR display, which would be similar to a smartphone homepage, rumours suggest.
Anyone facing an Apple Glasses-wearing user will not be able to see the AR display, which will overlay digital images over the user’s real-life surroundings.
Apple Glasses will have its own operating system called RealityOS.
Meanwhile, a 2019 patent application from Apple suggested the firm was working on technology described as a ‘Display Device’ that uses a ‘reflective holographic combiner’.
Apple has long been rumoured to be developing its own pair of AR glasses. The tech giant filed a patent in 2019 (pictured above) that gives a glimpse into what it may be developing behind closed doors
This holographic technology could more seamlessly blend objects rendered in the headset’s display, increasing the depth-of-field and reducing the resulting eyestrain and nausea often associated with AR and VR, according to the patent.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo both said a full-scale presentation of an AR headset at WWDC is unlikely, as it is simply not ready yet.
However, others suggested that Apple could offer a teaser of the device during its keynote presentation.
Kuo believes that Apple will launch the headset in 2023.
iPhone 15 could come with a new charging cable
Back in 2012, Apple caused mass hysteria amongst iPhone owners as it switched the original 30-pin charging port to its current Lightning port.
Now, a reliable leaker claims that Apple may be preparing to change the charging point for a second time.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that Apple will finally ditch the Lightning port for USB-C in its 2023 iPhone, rumoured to be called the iPhone 15.
The leak comes shortly after the EU unveiled plans to force all new smartphones – including iPhones – to use USB-C as standard.
Apple has previously pushed back against calls to switch to USB-C, amid claims it would produce an ‘unprecedented volume of electronic waste’ and stifle innovation.
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