The first AR / VR headsets Apple is developing will need to be wirelessly connected to an iPhone or other Apple device to unlock full functionality, it reports. The information.
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It will be similar to the WiFi-only version of Apple Watch, which requires an “iPhone” connection to work. The headphones are designed to communicate wirelessly with another Apple device, which will handle most of the powerful computing.
In accordance with The information, Apple has recently finished work on the custom 5-nanometer chips used in headphones, and hence the detail of connectivity.
Apple has completed a one-chip key system (SoC) that will power the headphones, along with two additional chips. All three chips have reached the tape stage, so work has been done on the physical design and now it’s time for test production.
The chips are not as powerful as the chips used on Apple’s Mac and iOS devices, without a neural engine for artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. The chip is designed to optimize wireless data transmission, video compression and decompression, and energy efficiency for maximum battery life.
Although it is designed to work with an iOS device, the headphones have CPU and GPU, so there is a possibility that it has a standalone mode with limited functionality.
TSMC manufactures the chips that will be used in the headphones and mass production is said to be at least a year away. The first AR / VR headphones could be launched as early as 2022, but the launch could also be delayed if work on the device is not completed on time.
The information it has also learned that work on the image sensor and headset screen controller has been completed, and TSMC is still resolving issues with the image sensor given its large size. TSMC works to increase the performance it gets during test production.
These developing AR / VR headphones are separated from a set of augmented reality smart glasses that are in operation. The smallest and most stylish smart glasses will follow the headphones and are expected to be launched in 2023.