Meta (Oculus) Quest 3: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors

 Despite its rumored late-2023 release, we've already been hearing about the Oculus Quest 2 successor. Likely called Meta (Oculus) Quest 3, this virtual reality headset might use a new kind of OLED and come with a proprietary processor.

When Will the Meta (Oculus) Quest 3 Be Released?

Meta hasn't actually come out with any news about this headset yet, but that doesn't mean we can't take a stab at when it might be available for purchase.

The original Oculus Quest was released in May 2019, and the second iteration arrived in Fall 2020. The Oculus Quest Pro arrived October 2022. This means the rumored Quest 3 might follow in 2023.

Lifewire's Release Date Estimate

Meta Connect usually runs during September or October, so we expect Connect 2023 to be the unveiling event for the Oculus Quest 3.

Meta (Oculus) Quest 3 Price Rumors

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg provides the price range of $300 to $500. For comparison, the first Oculus Quest started at $399 for the 64 GB version. The price was reduced to $299 for the 128 GB Quest 2.

Ideally, of course, we'd get a much cheaper VR headset than previous years, but we're just not sure yet what sort of hardware improvements and other changes are going into this device.

Pre-Order Information

When pre-orders will start is still up in the air. We'll provide a link here when one becomes available.

The Quest 2 was announced, and pre-orders began, nearly a full month before it was available, so we could see the same timeline this time.

Meta (Oculus) Quest 3 Features

Knowing anything about the Meta Quest 3 features is difficult right now because the Meta Quest Pro appears to have some of the same features. It's unclear right now to what extent these two devices will differ; are they both intended for the Metaverse or just one of them? We'll know more as we uncover leaks and official news from Meta.

Here's what the rumors are saying about the Meta Quest Pro

A few ideas we've seen tossed around is an improved form factor that makes the whole system easier/more comfortable to use, and a method to successfully reduce motion sickness.

Video Games and Motion Sickness

Meta (Oculus) Quest 3 Specs and Hardware

According to XR hardware analyst Brad Lynch, this headset will be the first to use uOLED (ultra-OLED, an upgraded version of OLED). The lenses should have higher resolution than what's in the Quest 2, which is 1832x1920 /eye, and the refresh rate will surely remain the same if not increase, so expect at least 120Hz.

It'll also have a proprietary chipset. Lynch says this SoC will "focus on a GPU that is better designed for VR loads." For reference, the Quest 2 includes the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor, and while v3 might be doable by the time the Quest 3 comes out, Meta is apparently going with an in-house processor.

Again, it's still early, and lots of rumors seem to be conflating the Quest 3 and Quest Pro, so ironing out the differences isn't easy just yet. Be sure to check back for updates as we continue to include everything else we learn about the Quest 3.

The Latest News About the Meta (Oculus) Quest 3

You can get more smart and connected life news from Lifewire. Here are the latest rumors and related stories regarding the Oculus Quest 3:

Meta's Upcoming Headsets Could Bring VR Closer to Real Life, Experts Say

Quest 2 SDK Documentation Leaks ‘Body Tracking Support’ Option

Ultralight Headsets Could Finally Make VR Comfortable

The Metaverse Is Your Future, Even If You Aren’t Ready

The 8 Best VR Headsets of 2022

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Apple VR Headset: News, Rumors, and Expected Price, Release Date, and Specs

 Three Apple headsets and glasses are looking to take shape over the next several years, and the first, possibly called Apple Reality Pro and to be released in 2023, could be a premium virtual reality headset.

When Will the Apple VR Headset Be Released?

According to Front Page Tech, Apple reporter and leaker Mark Gurman has confirmed that the company is working on multiple headsets, and he even has a name for the first one:

There are at least three Apple headsets in development that I know of: N301, N602 and N421. The first headset is what will probably end up being called the Apple Reality Pro.

If N301 is the code name for the VR headset, one of the other two must correspond to the more affordable augmented reality headset that's in the pipeline, dubbed Apple Glasses. Some reports claim that Apple Glasses is where the company wants to eventually invest most of its efforts, and that the VR headset will be a first-edition attempt in gauging development and interest.

With the order somewhat figured out, all that's left is the release date. Respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo thinks the headset will be announced in January 2023, believes in a general release date timeframe of 2Q23, with availability in stores by WWDC 2023.

Lifewire's Release Date Estimate

We'll stick with Kuo's early 2023 prediction for the headset's announcement, and the mid-2023 timeline for the actual release date. Learn when the next Apple event will be; we could see a glimpse of this headset anytime.

Apple VR Headset Price Rumors

Our guess is somewhere between the $2,000 and $3,000 range. This same price point is supported by Kuo.

Since no official pricing structure has been revealed, all we can do is guess. Keep in mind, this is also the company's first attempt at hardware like this, so it's tough to come up with an accurate estimate.

The 2022 Meta Quest Pro launched at $1,500, which is definitely in line with how Apple prices its other products—the iPhone 14 Pro Max is just over $1,000.

However, Apple might consider the VR headset unlike the iPhone in the sense that it won't sell like hotcakes, so they could bank on just a subset of fans buying in—specifically, professionals, much like Meta's target audience. If so, they could launch it at a very premium price, not unlike Microsoft's $3,500 HoloLens 2.

Pre-Order Information

Pre-ordering isn't open yet because Apple hasn't officially announced the VR headset. Kuo believes pre-orders will start in 2Q23 after the unveiling event, and then we'll see the headset in stores by WWDC 2023.

We'll provide the link here when pre-ordering commences.

Apple VR Headset Features & Specs

According to Tom's Guide, frequent leaker and Apple reporter, Mark Gurman, has said that Apple's headset will be designed for "short trips into VR," as opposed to Meta's dream where you wear it as much as possible for the Metaverse. Apple reportedly sees their headset as something you'd use for gaming, viewing content, and communicating, though it might be working on its own virtual world.

We all know what VR headsets look like. There's a strap positioned around the head to keep it in place, and it covers your eyes completely to block out your regular vision. This is the idea behind every other current VR headset, and it's what we expect from Apple as well.

What's not so clear is how it will work. It could be tethered to a power source, meaning you can't freely move around the room or use it outside. But what's more likely is a standalone device with its own power, in which case there'd probably be huge restrictions in how it could be used—think performance and battery life.

The headset will likely reach out to another Apple device, like an iPhone or Mac, for some sort of processing or an extra level of control. Wi-Fi 6E support has been suggested, which would make sense if huge datasets need to be related between the headset and another device.

Something we could see being used in this headset is a passthrough technique so that cameras are used to show your real environment within the headset, right next to the VR data. This would turn it into a sort of mixed-reality device.

It's obvious that Apple would heavily integrate the rest of its products into this one. Think FaceTime and SharePlay coupled with face tracking for immersive movie experiences.

AppleInsider reports that leaks reveal that the company has tested chips for its VR headset that outperform the processors from M1 Macs. This makes sense since Apple unveiled M2 in mid-2022. Similar silicon for the VR headset makes sense.

There's no doubt that Apple would offer stylish headbands to match the rest of its product lines. Especially considering the iPhone would likely serve as a companion device, a matching set would definitely be desirable for any dedicated Apple fan.

We've heard that Apple could opt for a lightweight casing to drop the overall weight of the headset. This would make it easier to wear for longer periods of time. Plus, if the rumor is true that a battery could be built into one of the headbands, this would increase wear time due to the weight offset and increased battery life.

Here are some other specs we've heard could make their way into this headset:

• Ultra-high-resolution 8K displays for realistic scenery using Sony OLED Microdisplay
• Special lenses which automatically adjust to the wearer's vision requirements (as opposed to custom-made lenses that fit each person's prescription)
• A fan to deal with heat from the processor and battery
• Foveated rendering for precise eye tracking to prioritize detail for what you're looking at and downgrade quality in your peripheral vision. This should save power
• Iris scanning for authenticating your account and making payments
• Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that the headset will feature 15 cameras: eight for passthrough images, six for biometrics, and one for environmental detection
• A custom operating system, possibly called realityOS, which is expected to have MR versions of Messages, FaceTime, Maps, and likely other core apps
• Apple Watch and/or VR gloves to detect gestures

The Latest News About the Apple VR Headset

You can get more Smart & Connected Life news from Lifewire on all kinds of topics; here are some stories and rumors specific to the Apple VR headset:

Apple Plans a 3D World and Video Service for Its Mixed-Reality Headset

There’s Finally a Production Date for Apple’s New Mixed-Reality Headset

Apple’s Mixed Reality Headset to Offer Iris Scanning for Payments, Logging In

New Renders Show Off the Design of Apple’s Rumored Mixed Reality Headset

Trademark Filings Suggest Apple May Be Securing ‘Reality’ Names for AR/VR Headset

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Apple Glasses: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors

 Apple Glasses (aka Apple Glass) is rumored to be the next step in augmented reality for consumers. Apple was granted a U.S. patent for a 'predictive, foveated virtual reality system' and another for a head-wearable device. Both appear to be part of a long-rumored augmented/mixed reality head-mounted display system from the tech giant.

When Will Apple Glasses Be Released?

There are dueling opinions on a release date, partly because there are possibly three types of glasses/goggles that Apple will eventually release. Apple Glasses is the AR device that analysts say we won't see until after Apple's VR headset (which is possibly called Apple Reality Pro).

Here's a look at a few release date rumors that, sadly, never came true:

• Prolific Apple leaker Jon Prosser surmised (and he's frequently correct with his predictions) in May 2020, the company could introduce the AR glasses in the first quarter of 2021.
• Respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo at one time said that the first quarter of 2022 is more likely (at least for the "helmet type"). However, with that time having come and gone, a more recent estimate by Kuo puts the start of production at the fourth quarter of 2022.

A rough release timeline obtained by AppleInsider appears to support Kuo's predictions, plus it speculates there are two types of Apple Glass projects underway.

However, according to analyst Jeff Pu, the AR glasses might be postponed until 2025 or 2026 "due to design issues."

The acquisition of NextVR was considered a clear step in Apple's AR/VR direction. TechRadar surmised its content broadcasting experience could prove helpful in the long run for Apple, along with its sports content-licensing deals.

It's still not 100 percent clear which device will arrive first—the VR version or the AR glasses—and cutting through the rumors to decipher which features will arrive on each device is an ongoing struggle this early in the rumor stages. But we'll keep this page updated as we learn more.

Lifewire's Release Date Estimate

We're with Ming-Chi Kuo, betting on the 2023 sale of the first version, with the more sophisticated version following. Look for a teaser to come as a 'One More Thing' statement at a standard Apple product launch event, with the usual Apple MO of 'announce first, release months later.'

Apple VR Headset: News, Rumors, and Expected Price, Release Date, and Specs

How Much Will Apple Glasses Cost?

According to Prosser, the starting price will be around $500 plus the cost of an eyeglass prescription (if needed).

Where to Pre-Order

Since there's been no official announcement, there's nothing to pre-order. Yet.

Kuo believes pre-orders will commence in the second quarter of 2023.

Apple Glasses Features and Specs

We're going off rumors here, but these are only the ones that make sense. Here's what we're expecting:

• As close in style to typical glasses as possible
• A half-inch display with 1280x960 resolution using Sony OLED Micro-displays
• The iPhone will process all data
• Plastic or metal frames
• Both lenses will display information
• A UI called 'Starboard'
• Controlled by gestures
• A Lidar sensor on the right temple
• Over 12 cameras, both low and high resolution
• Wireless charging features
• Ability to scan Apple QR codes
• Wi-Fi 6E support

Prosser claims current LiDAR data from the 2020 iPad Pro is going straight to the Apple Glasses team. The iPhone 12 Pro Max also has LiDAR, so if you have one of those systems, and he's right, you just might be assisting in the development of these new AR glasses.

Here's a neat concept video with some feature ideas that could make their way into these glasses via realityOS:

How Does Apple Glasses Work?

No one knows for sure, but the general idea behind the key patent is an eyewear system that uses sensors to detect and track motion. The word 'foveated' stems from the idea of 'foveated rendering,' which essentially changes what the eye sees when something is viewed through a foveated lens.

The key patent abstract says 'a Predictive, Foveated Virtual Reality System may capture views of the world around a user using multiple resolutions. The Predictive, Foveated Virtual Reality System may include one or more cameras. They would be configured to capture lower-resolution image data for a peripheral field of view while capturing higher resolution image data for a narrow field of view corresponding to a user's line of sight. Additionally, the Predictive, Foveated Virtual Reality System may also include one or more sensors or other mechanisms, such as gaze tracking modules or accelerometers, to detect or track motions.'

Building off this abstract, one could look at similar ideas from other companies to start getting the idea of what the eye would see. Nvidia researched this and has some compelling images that give a general idea of how Apple Glass could work. This Foveated 3D Graphics paper from Microsoft Research is also helpful in understanding where Apple is headed with Apple Glass.

In January 2022, Apple was granted a patent titled 'Tunable and foveated lens systems'. The idea is to stack liquid-filled lenses for each eye, with each lens potentially containing voltage-modulate optical materials surrounded by electrodes and embedded between transparent substrates.

The idea with these stacked lenses seems to be that the lenses could instantly and automatically adjust to correct a wearer's vision.

 Apple Glass as imagined by some in the tech industry. 

Apple Insider

Interested in other tech rumors? Here's how a Tesla smartphone could work.

The Latest News About Apple Glasses

You can get more Smart & Connected Life news from TIT on all kinds of topics; here are more stories (and some of those rumors) about Apple Glasses in the meantime.

Apple Glasses Accessibility Features Could Be a Huge Benefit

Apple Glass Could Use VR Gloves for Gesture Detection, Patent Suggests

Apple Glass Will Be Self-cleaning, According to a Patent

Apple Glass VR Headset Is Coming With a Micro LED Screen and M1 Chip

Apple Reportedly Completes Production Tests for AR/VR Headset

Apple to Launch AR/VR Headset in 2022, Will Operate Without iPhone

Apple Glass Could Project AR Directly Onto a Wearer's Retina