Apple is reportedly teaming up with Hollywood directors to create video content for its upcoming augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset.
Sources familiar with the matter described to the Times that Jon Favreau is just one of the directors involved — he’s reportedly tasked with delivering a mixed reality experience based on Prehistoric Planet, the dinosaur-filled Apple TV Plus series he produced.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like we’ll be able to immerse ourselves in a Jurassic Park-like landscape anytime soon. Apple’s headset might not launch until 2023 due to battery life and performance issues. That said, its development hasn’t come without turbulence — the NYT reports that some employees also left the company over the implications the headset may have on the way “people interact with one another.”
The mixed reality device may not appear at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday either, as Apple may shift its focus towards software instead. Apple is gearing up to introduce a toolkit for developers to add camera and voice functionality to their apps, enabling hands-free control ahead of the headset’s arrival.
Apple hasn’t yet authorized the existence of the headset. Still, the device will likely be capable of offering both immersive virtual reality experiences and virtual overlays made to look like they’re part of the real world. Various leaks and rumors have also given us plenty to chew on, ranging from its untethered form factor to its “Mac-level” processing power.
But there have been indications that Apple may be readying the device for an official announcement, although it might not happen at WWDC. First, there’s the RealityOS name spotted in a trademark filing for “wearable computer hardware,” which is presumably the operating system that the headset will use. And last month, Apple’s board of directors reportedly got to try out the mixed reality headset.
Apple Inc. has produced and marketed headphones since 2001, available for standalone buy and bundled with iPhone (until 2020) and iPod (until 2022) creations. Apple’s current product line contains EarPods (wired earbuds available with a 3.5mm headphone or Lightning connector), AirPods Max (wireless Bluetooth over-ear headphones), and AirPods and AirPods Pro (wireless Bluetooth earbuds).
Classic round earbuds: Apple’s original earbuds are shipped with the original iPod, unleashed on October 23, 2001. They were never offered a formal name and were mandated as “iPod headphones” and “the iPod’s earbud-style headphones.” They were bundled with two duos of foam covers. The second generation counted a plastic slider to authorize the user to limit the gap between the wires. Finally, the third generation was redesigned with slightly longer strain relief, a somewhat smaller speaker grill, and the left/right marking moved from the outside to the inside.
iPhone Stereo Headset: The iPhone Stereo Headset was introduced in 2007 and was bundled with the authentic iPhone and iPhone 3G; and featured a control tablet in-line with the right earbud’s wire with a microphone and a single button, actuated by squeezing the unit, which can be programmed to control calls, presentations, music, and video playback, launch Siri, or take pictures with the Camera application. There have been many reports of moisture problems with the remote/mic.
Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic: Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic were raised in 2009 and were bundled with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, the third-generation iPod Touch, and sold alone. They developed the iPhone Stereo Headset by adding two other buttons dedicated to volume control. A variant without a microphone shipped only with the third-generation iPod shuffle.