Apple Inc. (AAPL.O) is expected to reveal a mixed-reality headset at its annual software developer conference on Monday, its first major product category launch since the Apple Watch nine years ago.
Apple will compete with Facebook-owned Meta Platforms (META.O) in a market full of devices that have yet to catch on with consumers.
Apple’s headset may combine a live video stream with a virtual world on its screens, like Meta’s Quest Pro from last year and Quest 3 last week.
Apple’s headset is said to have a high-resolution display and hand-tracking for operation without a controller. However, it may cost much more than the $500 Quest 3.
Investors and tech enthusiasts will focus on how Apple’s view of the virtual reality market matches Meta’s. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg envisions wearing headsets to enter and leave a “metaverse” where individuals can work, play, and spend.
Sony Group Corp (6758.T) and ByteDance-owned Pico introduced VR devices with Meta.
IDC reported 8.8 million headset sales last year, down 20.9% from 2021. Sales dropped 50% in Q1 2023.
Apple’s Monday keynote address at 1 p.m. Eastern Time (1700 GMT) is intended to inspire thousands of software engineers.
Apple will update iPhone, iPad, and Mac OS systems.
Apple’s CarPlay software, which Apple claimed last year would enable more dashboard capabilities, will also be watched by investors.
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