Apple appears to be planning to leverage the 3D sensor it has developed to release a range of augmented and virtual-reality devices. Some of the regular devices like the iPad Pro and the 2020 version iPhones may also see some additional features enabling the use of the 3D sensor for these.
A Bloomberg report claims the iPad Pro will have additional cameras onboard accommodating the 3D sensor. The device will include a feature where users can create three-dimensional images of rooms and spaces, even people. The new iPad Pro is likely to be launched in 2020, may be in the first half of the year itself.
It has already been rumored that the 3D sensor will form part of the iPhones to be released in 2020 and they will also be 5G enabled. Going beyond these, Apple may also launch dedicated AR and VR headsets meant for gaming and beyond. These may come only by 2022 and by 2023, the company may add AR spectacles or glasses. The report says Apple has shared this programme with the company’s employees internally.
Apple is betting big on the AR and VR technology for the future. It has a team of 1,000 engineers working on this. It is a multi-disciplinary team, comprising ex-NASA engineers, former game developers and graphics experts. Once fully developed, the products based on these technologies will expand the non-iPhone offerings for the Cupertino-headquartered technology giant. Currently, the Apple Watch, Air Pods and the Beats headphones contribute to the company’s revenue offsetting any shortfall due to drop in the sales of the iPhones. As per current projections, even the iPhone sales are going to be robust in the remaining part of 2019 and 2020 and should bring cheer to the Apple fans and stakeholders in the company.
If you own an Apple device and were wondering if you will be left out of the AR and VR technologies, you need not worry. The Bloomberg report adds that Apple’s engineers are developing a new operating system that will integrate the current generation of iPhones and iPads to the future technologies. It may be called the “rOS”.