Leaks suggest Apple’s mysterious augmented reality glasses, ‘Apple Glass’, will retail starting at $499
- Apple’s AR glasses will reportedly retail starting at $499
- The glasses will come with plastic frames instead of metal
- They will also work in tandem with a user’s iPhone
- Processing will happen on the phone instead of the glasses
New leaks are shedding an unprecedented amount of light on Apple’s upcoming augmented reality glasses.
A video from frequent leaker Jon Prosser suggests that the hardware, called ‘Apple Glass’, will eventually retail at $499.
Prosser says that the glasses, which he has allegedly seen a prototype of, will process information on an iPhone wirelessly as opposed to on-device, similar to how an Apple Watch works.
Apple has long been rumored to be developing its own pair of AR glasses. The tech giant has filed a patent (pictured above) this year that gives a glimpse into what it may be developing behind closed doors
Leaks also suggest that the glasses will come with optional prescription lenses and won’t come as sunglasses at launch. Frames are expected to be plastic with metal versions coming later on.
The glasses are also expected to come equipped with LiDAR on the side but no additional cameras beyond that.
While the glasses were expected to be released at the end of the year or early 2021, it’s unclear if obstacles created by the coronavirus will affect that release date.
Prior reports have suggest that the headset will take a similar shape to a more compact virtual reality headset from the Facebook-owned, Oculus.
Apple’s headset will also reportedly boast some impressive capabilities that include 8k displays in both eyes and the ability for one to stand either in front of or behind augmented objects.
The glasses, which are slightly more mysterious, will reportedly resemble high-end eyeware, though they will have thicker frames capable of housing key technology.
Apple is reportedly considering technology that would darken the glasses lenses when using augmented reality – a feature that would alert those around you that the device’s AR is engaged.
Apple won’t be without competition its quest to popularize AR technology.
Facebook has reportedly partnered with Rayban to work on its own pair of augmented reality glasses.
Bloomberg suggests that unlike Apple’s headset, however, Facebook will not have augmented reality built-in, but will function similarly to Snapchat’s Spectacles and will be capable of placing calls, taking pictures, and more.
