Rumor: Apple opted for less powerful AR headset that does not require a hub hub

The augmented reality headset that Apple is working on looks like a smaller Oculus Quest and is less powerful than initially planned. With this, Apple wants to prevent hardware from having to be placed in an external hub. Bloomberg claims that.

Apple is said to have two headsets for augmented reality in development: the headset codenamed N301 that combines AR with VR, and the lightweight N421 glasses, which projects maps and notifications on the field of view. The N301 was initially exceptionally powerful and had an external hub for the hardware, as the parts generated a lot of heat. That hub was shaped like a small Mac, according to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, who has good Apple resources. The hub could be connected wirelessly to the headset but was not required: N301 could also run independently in a low-power mode.

Designer Jonathan Ive, who left Apple last year, was rumored to be against the external hub and insisted on integrating the hardware components. The leader of the vr/ar team at Apple, Mike Rockwell, was a strong supporter of the wireless hub because it would enable “superior performance” over competitors.

However, Ive would also not be in favor of providing a lifelike virtual world, as this would make possible. Ultimately, Apple CEO Tim Cook would have sided with Ive and the company would now build a less powerful variant with integrated hardware.

The N301 would have its own App Store with a focus on gaming. Apple would also aim to use it for virtual meetings. Operation would be via Siri, although Apple is also rumored to be testing a remote control. Apple has been working on its own AR headset for years. Last year it was rumored that Apple plans to release the ar headset in 2022 and the ar glasses in 2023. Bloomberg is now repeating that.