New info on Apple MR headset shows off Digital Crown, H2 chip, and more

New information about Apple's upcoming mixed reality headset paints a clearer picture ahead of the device's rumored launch later in 2023.

Apple's mixed reality headset doesn't yet have a release date, but fresh details have surfaced depicting a clearer picture of the device. The mixed reality headset will mark the launch of a new product category for Apple. Headphone development has been underway for years, with multiple delays. Back in December, an insider revealed that the headset could launch in the second half of 2023.

According to The Information (via MacRumors). They cover the design, specs, and possible pricing of the upcoming headphones. The source also corroborated the headset details previously reported from other publications.

Apple's Headset Will Have Three Chips

Reportedly, Apple's earbuds feature a watch face similar to the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch and AirPods Max, but without haptic feedback. The watch face will be located on the right side of the device and can be used to easily "switch between virtual reality and the physical world." The source also mentioned that Apple has dropped plans to make the headbands of the headphones interchangeable, as they are now used as "Conduits of power." That means users won't be able to change the headband the way they can a smartwatch strap.

Apple's headphones will support prescription glasses, which will attach via magnets. In addition, the user does not need to manually adjust the lens of the headset, because the headset will automatically match the user's interpupillary distance with the help of a small motor. The headset will have a 120-degree field of view (FOV), up from the Meta Quest Pro's 106-degree FOV. Apple's MR headset will feature three chips. In addition to the main chip, which includes the CPU and GPU, there is a dedicated ISP whose function is to convert the distorted images captured by the external camera into clearer low-latency video.

The chip will be built on a 5nm processor like the main SoC, and will feature custom high-bandwidth memory made by SK Hynix. The two chips will communicate via a proprietary custom streaming codec to eliminate latency. In addition to these two chips, AirPods Pro 2 is also equipped with the H2 chip. Previously reported information, confirmed by sources, includes a large front-facing display that can show users' facial expressions. Users send messages to those around them to reduce the feeling of isolation while using the device. The display will have an ultra-low refresh rate and low power consumption, and it will function just like the always-on display on the iPhone 14 Pro.

It also mentions that the device will have two micro OLED displays supplied by Sony, each with 4K resolution. The headset will feature multiple cameras to track facial expressions and movements, as well as sensors such as short- and long-range LiDAR scanners to map the surrounding environment. Regarding pricing, Apple has reportedly discussed a price tag of around $3,000 or higher, depending on the storage configuration. If true, Apple's Mixed Reality headset will cost twice as much as the Meta Quest Pro.