Apple is betting heavily on augmented reality is the next big thing and a new report by Bloomberg suggests the public could soon see the results of years of development.
According to Mark Gurman, Apple is targeting next year for the release of its highly anticipated AR glasses. These will reportedly feature a pair of holographic displays and synchronize with the user’s iPhone to display useful information such as text, emails, or the weather. Rumors also suggest Apple Maps integration will be supported in addition to multiple games. The latter means Apple Arcade subscribers may be able to play a range of AR-backed titles while wearing the glasses.
Apple is said to be hiring experts in both graphics and game development to ensure a range of titles are available at launch. This should help position the glasses as the instant leader in the category and hopefully replicate the long-term success of the Apple Watch. Speaking of which, Apple is reportedly considering a dedicated App Store for its AR glasses similar to the one that was recently launched for its smartwatch. From here, owners of the glasses will be able to download the range of compatible games in addition to a long list of other apps
Like Gurman, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple’s AR glasses will arrive next year, although he goes one step further by predicting a release halfway through 2020. This means the official announcement may happen in early 2020, perhaps alongside the iPhone SE 2 and iPad Pro (2020).
Long-term, Apple hopes its AR glasses will eventually replace the iPhone, but in the meantime, it’ll focus on pushing its AR technologies through its other devices. Specifically, the next-gen iPad Pro is reportedly going to include a dedicated 3D sensor for AR content while next year’s iPhone 12 Pro series is expected to follow suit in September with the same sensor.