The Grim Future of VR Headsets and... iPhones?!

Imagine a world where smartphones are replaced by AR, and tech meets fashion. Kind of crazy? Let's talk about Apple's Mixed Reality Headset and the future of Augmented Reality! (TL;DR at the bottom)

Augmented Reality is about to hit consumers in smartphone-style

Obviously, iPhones and smartphones are not going to die over-night. Instead a new product will come out that will likely integrate them. If it is as popular as people predict, it may change everything.

Hold onto your money, don't spend on Virtual Reality right now! Wait until this product comes out and competitors start releasing alternatives...

Apple's Mixed Reality Headset

If you already know a lot about it and are not interested in it, you can skip to this section on AR. (although I’d still recommend the Puck section because I like my take on fashion in it)

This product may cause history to repeat itself, just like the first iPhone in 2007 reinvented the phone and introduced the world to the concept of smartphones. The era of mobile devices is evolving. But more on that later.

According to reports, it will be a mixed reality headset capable of both AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality). It is expected to be announced in June with an estimated price-point of $3,000. But, for those of us on a budget, there's a glimmer of hope. A more affordable version of the headset will be released the following year with a low price of... $1,500. (the cost of PC-VR Headsets until the Quest 2 happened)

That's not cheap at all...

Yeah. I know right. Not exactly affordable. As expected of Apple.
But we buy phones that cost almost $1,000 every year. AR devices will probably follow a similar pattern to the smartphone market with prices going down for older hardware as new generations take their original prices each year.
Similarly, companies like Samsung (apparently they’re partnering up with Google on this venture?!) will likely provide customers with budget options. As the release date of Apple's Headset is getting closer, competitors are mobilizing and this is great for consumers!
Despite the expensive launch price, this innovative technology is likely to capture the attention of a diverse audience down the line.

Of course, it's important to keep in mind that these rumors are subject to change, so we'll have to wait and see what Apple actually has in store. But get this: the headset is expected to support 2D iOS apps, which could shake up the AR game entirely. A quote on why later!

Wait... iOS apps? Don't we already have smartphones?

Allegedly, Apple’s goal is to replace the recently incredibly successful iPhone with AR glasses over the next 10 years. (according to analyst Ming Chi-Kuo, 2021)
Whether that is still true, remains to be seen because...

Apple already cancelled a product hinting at that future: AR glasses.
People say it is simply impossible to mass-produce this kind of product with the current technology. However as AR gets more popular and technology improves, we may see the return of such ideas. AR glasses just must improve their limited FoV (Field of View) and they will be viable. For over-heating issues and bulkiness, part of the solution is already here:

In fact, until recently headsets have been cumbersome and uncomfortable. With the introduction of pancake lenses, they are finally getting smaller, lighter and more comfortable! Additionally, Apple may use the puck in order to make things sleeker and more aesthetically pleasing.

Puck...?

Well, it'll probably just be called an external battery, but I like the word so I'm stealing it. (I've first heard of it here)

Explanation from MacRumors:

"Apple is rumored to be planning to use a standalone battery pack for the AR/VR headset, which would allow it to cut down on weight. The Information suggests that the battery would be worn on the waist and connected to the headset through a MagSafe-like power cable to the headband."

I'd personally like to see it function as more than just a battery, though (or maybe it already does? - but it’s just speculation). It simply makes sense to separate the display from the processing power, PCs already do it! It is highly unlikely we will see modular and upgradable parts from Apple though.
Funnily enough I've seen a comment imagine it as a chocker in the future. But it will probably just look like a typical power bank wearing Apple-like aesthetics.

Anyways, it should be the size of an iPhone that is twice as thick. It should fit into most pockets... Well except for women's pockets. (extra: Here's my favorite video on the history of women's pockets)

Maybe I will write more about that in the future…

So there's the issue of it fitting into our clothing. Handbags are an option for women (as they're the ones who will have most trouble with it anyways) and anyone can use a bag or backpack.

But wouldn't it be interesting if Apple provided the solution?

This may sound crazy, but could this spell the return of Apple fashion? Yep, it was a thing.
It's a pretty whacky idea so it's a little unlikely, but cool to think about. Considering the fact that headsets will already replace glasses, it’s not far-fetched to imagine such a scenario. We already have smart watches and smart homes. Smart clothes when?
If Apple or some other tech company decides to go that route, technology may be integrating with clothing in the future. But now that I think about it...

Why hasn't it already? Well here are a few quick reasons I can think of:

• Expensive to develop, produce and maintain

• Potential health hazards associated with electromagnetic radiation emitted from electronic devices

• Risks from materials used in technology, such as batteries

• Concerns related to user comfort and practicality

• Difficulty in making it aesthetically pleasing

AR is cool, but what's wrong with VR?

Well, it's simple: VR-only headsets can't do AR whereas Mixed Reality Headsets can. Since AR might be the evolution of phones, it makes more sense to purchase a device that can do both of things. (PC-VR headsets are like monitors, MR Headsets are like tablets/phones/TVs and arguably laptops)

Despite the increasing awareness and mass adoption of virtual reality, it remains a niche technology, mainly limited to gaming when it comes to consumers.
But VR is already being used in various industries, such as healthcare and education. For example, children can be transported to different historical eras through VR, and healthcare professionals use it for training. We even already have 3D memories, which is a recent development. While AR is not at the same level as VR, it is becoming increasingly popular. However, AR headsets are still not common enough to create an ecosystem that would lead to mass adoption. If everyone has access to the same "AR" space regardless of device manufacturer, it may encourage adoption of AR technology.

Augmented Reality has an even broader range of applications in areas such as education, healthcare, and e-commerce. AR technology has the potential to transform the way we interact with the world around us, making it more interactive, intuitive, and immersive. By overlaying digital information onto the physical world, AR can enhance our experience and understanding of the real world in unprecedented ways. As AR technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see it increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, revolutionizing the way we interact with the world. (BONUS ideas at the end)

Augmented reality is making significant progress in various fields. The manufacturing industry is using AR technology with the help of the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor equipment in real-time and identify potential maintenance issues before they become problems. In retail, AR is expected to have a significant impact in the future. And of course, you might already know about AR features on mobile devices to view products such as furniture in 3D before purchase. However, AR offers even more possibilities than just that, including unique advertising and real-world connections that can be created through this technology.

Will the world as we know it change with the advent of AR?

The potential of AR is enormous. Some people even compare it to the internet. While the internet cannot be accessed without hardware, mixed reality headsets serve as the hardware for AR. However, widespread adoption of AR has been delayed due to a lack of devices that would support it. If a common virtual space with AR integrations with the real world, along with VR options and connections, becomes available, it could be as big as the internet. This common virtual space could be accessed through links in 3D, similar to websites and pages.

Kelly Goetsch (from commercetools) and Ryan Donovan (from GRIN) think that AR will become as big as the internet

“It is easy to envisage how big of an impact AR will have on social media, just imagine the possibilities of enhanced stories, videos, posts, and chat sessions. Advancements in AR will augment the power of human connection through social creating new levels of individualised social experiences for brands to reach customers. Imagine a world where one can see how a brand’s products will fit into their own environment. Or seeing yourself in the midst of an amazing travel experience. This day is coming sooner rather than later. I am personally very excited to now be part of this movement and look forward to helping our customers take advantage of these capabilities sooner rather than later.” -Donovan

Apps are needed for mass-adoption of AR, but “[…] there aren’t those killer apps right now. And, I think that’s largely because app developers haven’t made them, because there’s not enough devices. We need to hit that point where consumers start buying these things en masse.” -Goetsch

Considering the AI revolution that is currently going on... we live in big times! The two evolutions could be intertwined, intentionally or not.

That being said, I’m excited to play around with all the cool AR features, so I can’t wait for AR to get more affordable. Who knows, maybe we'll all be living in an alternate reality sooner than we think! I’d personally prefer a Metaverse that’s AR-based rather than VR, though.

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BONUS: changes to our daily lives

• The world will be more connected with AR, potentially finally getting to know our neighbors again after so many decades - we've been the zombies we've feared all along, AR might fix it by allowing us to connect to people locally thus encouraging communication and physical connection

• Right now you constantly need to pull your phone out of your pocket unless you use Siri, Google, Alexa etc. - AR will make things more visually accessible to people who struggle with hearing and speaking

• Technology integrated with furniture, fashion and more through AR

• AR X-Ray Vision helping people with who struggle with Object Permanence (However I'd add that this may arguably cause issues down the line if used by children, as they may still be developing this ability)

• Medical logs facilitated by AR improving communication of symptoms for everyone (especially for people who struggle to advocate for themselves and more...)

• Enhanced learning: children might finally love studying - honestly, the whole education system may see an overhaul in the coming years, considering AI is here too…

• AR entertainment… VTubers might be the first to shine, but as the technology gets better we will have more cool stuff and concepts!

• Bonus bonus: I talk about AR meets AI here

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TL;DR: Augmented Reality is about to hit consumers in smartphone-style

• Apple's Mixed Reality Headset will be announced this year so competitors will likely also announce cheaper alternatives the coming years

• CRAZY: iPhones might be replaced by AR in 10 years (less if people LOVE Mixed Reality Headsets, more if we have to wait for aesthetic AR Glasses)

• Future headsets may incorporate external components for battery and hopefully more (CRAZY: wouldn't it be whacky if tech integrates with fashion?)

• VR is finally getting more comfortable, but Mixed Reality Headsets provide more functionality

• CRAZY: The world may change if AR is mass-adopted, may even be the biggest change since the Internet happened (I believe that will be the case if we are talking AI + AR)

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Resources

I've learnt some of this information from this video by SadlyItsBradley (alongside other videos on this channel many of my deductions and opinions are a result of his information) and this article. Links to other references are included within the text.
The best place I’ve found to read more about Apple’s Mixed Reality Headset is: here.

Good video: