Innovation: The next breakthrough tech coming from Apple labs

It's no secret Apple is working on several exciting products at Apple Campus, from virtual reality headsets to self-driving cars.

Before too long, we expect to hear Tim Cook say "one more thing" and lift the lid on another significant innovation from the Cupertino company.

APPLE REALITY ONE: AN AR/VR EXPERIENCE

In what’s perhaps one of the worst-kept secrets in Silicon Valley, Apple is believed to have been working on several augmented and virtual reality headsets for release in the coming year. The new mixed-reality product will allow consumers to interact with apps that combine virtual and augmented reality and serve as the next big thing - the spiritual successor to the iPhone and the App Store, pushing technology in yet another direction. It’s all but confirmed that the devices will be announced in January 2023, following several high-profile reports from technology journalists. Developers found references to ‘realityOS’ in Apple’s open-source code before the company officially registered the trademark in May. Other trademarks processed include “Reality One,” “Reality Pro,” and “Reality Processor,” suggesting that the company will release an entry-level “One” headset as well as a “Pro” headset featuring more advanced technologies and capabilities.

Although there had previously been speculation that Apple would add an M-series chip into the headset, it appears as though the company is working on an entirely new chipset for the headsets. Indeed, the device would need to run 8K AR/VR content on battery power, and thus a custom chip makes more sense. First-class hardware and cutting-edge software will combine to create immersive experiences that blow the likes of Oculus Rift out of the water.

Early rumors suggest that the first mixed-reality headset could cost up to $3,000.