Apple has scheduled this year’s developer conference, at which it is expected to enter the VR glasses business, for June 5-9. This year’s WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) will once more take place in an online format, the iPhone group announced on Wednesday. On the first day there should be an event for developers and students at the headquarters in Cupertino.
At the annual WWDC, Apple traditionally gives an outlook on the innovations in its software that will be introduced from autumn. This should give developers the opportunity to prepare their apps for this over the summer. However, according to media reports, a push into a new product category is expected for this year’s edition. Among other things, the financial service Bloomberg reported that Apple wants to announce glasses for displaying virtual reality (VR), which will be launched a few months later. The device should also be able to show the real environment on their displays with the help of cameras. The WWDC announcement image appropriately resembles a lens.
Apple has been using so-called augmented reality (AR) for years, in which digital objects are shown on a display in real environments, for example. The group’s goal is lightweight glasses with transparent lenses – but with technology that can bring additional information into the user’s field of vision. According to experts, however, it will probably be years before this will be possible in a compact size and with a longer battery life.
According to media reports, the first Apple headset is therefore more reminiscent of ski goggles. Current providers of VR glasses such as the Facebook group Meta and HTC have similar-looking devices on offer. According to media reports, Apple glasses are said to be significantly more expensive at $3,000.