Apple Glass

It's been a while since we've heard some compelling rumors about the Apple Glasses, with Cupertino's long-rumored augmented reality smart glasses seemingly still some time away from launching. 

As such, it's looking likely that we will still have a couple of years to wait before they are revealed, with the Apple AR/VR headset likely to launch first.

Apple Glasses could run on a proprietary operating system first uncovered in the final version of iOS 13; we do like the tipped name of glassOS. The augmented reality framework shows up multiple times in code and text documents, meaning Apple is likely testing activation and application in some capacity. Either way, this is what it'll take for us to wear Apple Glasses. In addition to Apple Glass, the Apple VR and mixed reality headset is also in the works, and could be less complex and closer to launch. 

The Apple VR and mixed reality headset reportedly features ultra-high-resolution screens and a cinematic speaker system that should enable realistic visual experiences, according to people who have seen prototypes. Those sources also said the headset looks like a slimmer, fabric-swathed, Oculus Quest, but the design isn't final as the company continues testing to determine the ideal fit for most head shapes.

There's no word on price, though we don't expect it to be cheap. The Quest starts at $399, while HTC's Vive costs $799 and Microsoft's HoloLens 2 is a whopping $3,500. Reports claim Apple's headset could be between $1,000 and $3,000 when it launches.

Like its competitors, the Apple VR and mixed reality headset will reportedly benefit from its own App Store, where users can access gaming, video streaming and communications software. Voice assistant Siri will be tasked with controlling the headset, though a physical remote and body tracking controls are reportedly being tested as well. 

As for a potential release date, the VR headset is on pace to debut next year and be released in mid-2022