Apple employees are reportedly concerned about the forthcoming mixed-reality headset in development, named the Reality Pro Headset. Initially, there was a lot of enthusiasm and excitement amongst employees for this new flagship product, but it seems that many workers at Apple have now become skeptical about the device.
Unprecedented Skepticism About A New Apple Product
This shift in tone marks an unprecedented level of concern about a new Apple product inside the company. Many employees have worries about the high price point of $3,000 and its unproven market niche. According to sources close to the project, some employees have even defected from it due to doubts about its potential.
Leadership Members Also Concerned
The discontent extends even to members of Apple’s leadership team. Some senior executives have questioned the headset’s prospects, with concerns being raised in particular over its limited battery life and uncomfortable design. Moreover, some employees have been fired over lack of progress with Siri’s functionality.
Mixed-Reality Is A Bridge To The Future
The first-generation headset is seen as a bridge to future products that will require technological breakthroughs. While Apple is focusing on ensuring that the device excels at videoconferencing and time spent as virtual avatars, some employees have speculated that it may struggle to win over even those at the top of Apple’s food chain because of its high price, limited utility, lack of a clear killer app and uncomfortable design.
A Second-Generation Product Might Be Better
It is usually better to wait for the second-generation product because the concept really starts to shine then, with new features and improvements. Skipping the first-generation product might be a wise move given that there might be teething problems and stronger products will follow. One version of the headset costing around half the price and another with more power are due within a couple of years.
Future Generations Of The Device And App Ecosystem
The recent demonstrations at Apple HQ were impressive, but internally, they might be focusing more on future generations of the device to secure wider spread consumer adoption. The third-party app ecosystem will be deeper once developers start producing content for the new ecosystem, just like with the original App Store.
Apple’s AR/VR Headset Project in Turmoil
Apple’s rumored AR/VR headset project has also encountered turmoil with concerns about price, technology, and market. It is surprising that Apple would come to market with a $3,000 piece of hardware for only a few people to afford. Leakers claim that the headset will not fit over glasses, and Apple might sell optional subscription lenses for the dual 4K displays, which is un-Apple-like.
Commitment To Augmented Reality
Apple CEO Tim Cook is deeply committed to augmented reality and considers it “profound” and “critically important” for Apple’s future. The company aims to sell up to one million units of the Reality Pro headset in the first year, and there will be plenty of people with money to burn who have to have the latest toys.
Prototype Expected At WWDC
Apple may unveil a prototype at its World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June but is unlikely to launch a finished product this summer. The company will use the reaction and developer response to calibrate and finalize its hardware plans.
Reality Pro Headset – A Mixed Reality System
The Reality Pro Headset will be a mixed reality system that allows users to dial their reality in and out. The potential experiences should not be limited only to businesses or the rich.
Final Thoughts
Overall, while there might be a spirited discussion going on about the new product, it seems that the kind of disarray being described in some reports is not typical for Apple. Cook is different from Steve Jobs and is more of a tactician than a maverick. It is advisable to show some restraint and wait for future generations of the device instead of rushing to buy the first-generation product.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
