Apple’s highly anticipated annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is set to commence on June 5th, with the event scheduled to run until June 9th. Among the expected announcements and unveilings, one of the major highlights is Apple’s first mixed-reality headset. However, it appears that the tech giant will be issuing health warnings to specific consumers who may be affected by the device’s augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) capabilities.
According to a recent tweet by Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the mixed reality headset may come with notifications advising individuals with certain health conditions against purchasing or using the device. These health conditions may include Meniere’s Disease, past traumatic brain injuries, post-concussion syndrome, migraines, and vertigo. The intention behind this warning is to ensure the safety and well-being of users who may be more susceptible to adverse effects resulting from the immersive AR and VR experiences provided by the headset.
Apple has invited multiple key, former members of its Technology Development Group, the team behind the mixed reality headset, to the launch this week. My preview: https://t.co/Bio8jm9aqR
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) June 4, 2023
Gurman also shared additional insights in his tweet, mentioning that Apple has constructed a large structure on the Apple Park campus specifically for offering controlled hands-on demos of the mixed reality headset to select attendees and members of the media during the conference. Furthermore, the company has designated an area near its employee fitness center, specifically the basketball courts, for these demonstrations. Additionally, Apple plans to continue providing demos throughout the summer, showcasing the device’s immersive FaceTime in VR, Apple TV+ content, and gaming features.
Interestingly, some testers have reported that the mixed reality headset, currently in a development stage known as Design Validation Testing (DVT), tends to overheat. This feedback suggests that Apple is actively working on addressing this issue before the official release of the product.
Renowned Apple tipster Ross Young has also contributed to the anticipation surrounding the mixed-reality headset by sharing alleged specifications on Twitter. Young suggests that the Apple AR/VR headset, rumored to be named ‘Reality Pro,’ will incorporate dual 1.41-inch micro OLED displays boasting a remarkable 4,000 PPI index and over 5,000 nits of brightness. Additionally, the headset is expected to be powered by a chipset similar to Apple’s M2 chipset and equipped with numerous cameras to detect body movements and capture facial expressions. As for pricing, the headset is rumored to be priced at around $3,000 (₹2.48 lakh).
Apple’s upcoming WWDC 2023 event holds great promise for technology enthusiasts, as the company prepares to unveil its long-awaited mixed-reality headset. While this innovation presents exciting opportunities, Apple acknowledges the potential impact of AR and VR on certain individuals’ health and plans to issue warnings accordingly. By prioritizing user safety and providing hands-on demonstrations, Apple aims to showcase the immersive capabilities of the mixed-reality headset and gather valuable feedback to refine the product before its eventual launch.