On Monday, Apple Inc. (AAPL.O) is expected to unveil a mixed-reality headgear at its annual software development conference.
Apple will face Facebook-owned Meta Platforms (META.O) in a market of unpopular gadgets. Like Meta’s Quest Pro from last year and Quest 3 from last week, Apple’s headset may display a live video stream and a virtual environment.
Apple’s headset has a high-resolution display and hand-tracking for controller-free use. However, it may cost much more than the $500 Quest 3.
Investors and techies will compare Apple’s and Meta’s virtual reality market views. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg envisions wearing headsets to enter and leave a “metaverse” where people work, play, and spend.
Sony Group Corp (6758.T) and ByteDance-owned Pico launched Meta VR devices.
Last year, IDC sold 8.8 million headsets, down 20.9% from 2021. Q1 2023 sales fell 50%. Apple’s Monday presentation at 1 p.m. Eastern Time (1700 GMT) is meant to motivate thousands of software professionals.
Apple will upgrade iOS and MacOS. Investors will also scrutinize Apple’s CarPlay software, which Apple stated last year will provide dashboard capabilities.