Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman has shared some information on Apple’s AR roadmap, which is said to initially focus on the iPad, then the iPhone before expanding to an actual headset and glasses.
Gurman says Apple is “working on a range of augmented and virtual-reality devices underpinned by a new 3-D sensor system, according to people familiar with the plans.” Gurman says a new 3D sensor system will arrive first on a new iPad Pro in the first half of next year, and will be followed by the 2020 iPhone lineup later in the year.
A new iPad Pro for release as early as the first half of 2020 will feature a new module with two camera sensors, up from one on the current model, and a small hole for the 3-D system, letting people create three-dimensional reconstructions of rooms, objects and people. The Cupertino, California-based technology giant also plans to add the sensor to new high-end iPhones later in 2020, along with 5G networking capabilities, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing unannounced products.
Apple is reportedly targeting 2021 or 2022 for the release of a VR and AR headset focused on “gaming, watching video and virtual meetings.” A lighter set of AR glasses could debut as soon as 2023.
The 3D sensor to be used in the iPad and iPhone is said to be a more advanced version of APple’s current Face ID sensor, and will be linked to the new “rOS” operating system for the headsets to allow them to work with existing iOS devices.
