Hints in iOS 13 suggest Apple may debut its AR headset within MONTHS

Hints in iOS suggest Apple may debut its AR headset within MONTHS – despite reports the project was on hold

  • Hints in Apple’s iOS 13 show that the company may release an AR headset
  • MacRumors reports that code shows support for a device code-named ‘Garta’  
  • Multiple reports suggest that the device could be released as soon as 2020 
  • Apple has been rumored to be developing AR glasses for at least several years 

Apple may be getting serious about its augmented reality headset. 

MacRumors says it has seen documentation for an internal iOS 13 build for what looks like support for an augmented reality headset. 

Those documents show evidence of what MacRumors reports is a mysterious ‘STARTester’ app which can switch to a head-mounted mode as well as code designed to run stereo-enabled AR apps which the outlet said implies the existence of a headset.

Documents also suggest that Apple may have a prototype of the device which is reportedly code-named ‘Garta.’ 

Apple has increasingly moved into augmented reality technology. In 2017, it launched AR Kit, an augmented reality platform for developers to create apps and other software using the tech.

Revelations about the augmented reality framework inside iOS 13 run counter to prior reports in July that suggested that Apple had suspended its AR program entirely. 

Reports in April have hinted at a headset that is also capable of operating independently of an iPhone that can run full virtual reality and is equipped with an 8K display for each eye.

The device may even run its own operating system called rOS instead of iOS, according to reports from 2017. 

Multiple outlets including CNET and Bloomberg have reported that the device could be ready as soon as 2020, so it’s possible the code is just a  small snippet of what may be a more substantial release from the company in the year ahead.

Apple has long been rumored to be developing its own pair of augmented reality glasses. 

In February, the tech giant filed a new patent that gives a glimpse into what it may be developing behind closed doors.   

Scroll down for video. 

Apple has long been rumored to be developing its own pair of AR glasses. The tech giant has filed a patent this year that gives a glimpse into what it may be developing behind closed doors

The patent, titled ‘Systems, Methods and Graphical User Interfaces for Interacting With Augmented and Virtual Reality Environments’ describes the creation of a virtual user interface that can be used on a device resembling an iPhone, as well as a wireless headset. 

These items would then ‘provide a live view of at least a portion of the contents that are within the field of view of the cameras and optionally generate video outputs.’

Users would then operate a ‘touch-sensitive device’ to interact with ‘augmented reality environments.’

Augmented reality technology includes the process of overlaying 3D graphics into real-world environments. 

This differs from virtual reality, wherein the user is completely immersed in a virtual environment.  

A previous patent details a virtual user interface that can be used on a device like an iPhone or a headset. Users would interact with AR environments using a touchscreen device (pictured) 

Apple has previously filed patents concerning an AR headset. 

Last year, the firm described using a mixed reality headset for image editing, drawing, presenting, making phone calls, video conferences, emailing, workout demos, photography, web browsing and other uses.

A separate patent filed in 2017 described the creation of an AR headset.   

Last month, Apple began offering a series of art-based augmented reality experiences at its stores around the world.

The company collaborated with seven lauded contemporary artists including Nick Cave, Cao Fei, Carsten Höller and Pipilotti Rist to create what it called [AR]T Walk.

By pointing an iPhone at objects in specified locations, users were able to take a walking tour through various cities and watch digital works art come alive in physical spaces.

APPLE’S AR GLASSES PATENT 

There has been speculation that Apple is developing an AR headset that may work in tandem with the iPhone. 

Catcher Technology, a Taiwanese company that manufactures metal casings for Apple products, may also make parts for Apple’s AR glasses.

In an interview with Nikkei Asian Review, Allen Horng, the chairman of Catcher Technology, did not confirm what project his company is working on, but there has been speculation that it’s working on Apple’s AR product given that the company already works with Apple on its product casings. 

Apple filed a patent in 2017 for a head-mounted, touch-screen display that could work with an iPhone. The firm made its first step into the AR world with the launch of ARKit 

The Apple AR glasses patent details a head-mounted, touch-screen display that could work alongside an iPhone.  

It also presents a way of representing points of interest (a landmark or an object such as a moving car) in a view of a real environment on an iPhone screen, with interaction functionality. 

As such, the iPhone could potentially connect to the AR headset, allowing the wearer to see point of interest in real time. 

Source: Read Full Article