Apple’s AR/VR Headset to Feature MagSafe-Like External Battery Pack: Report

Rumors appear to be trickling in every other day. ahead of the debut of Apple's AR/VR headset at WWDC in June. According to the latest report, the mixed reality headset will get a new proprietary charging connector and a USB Type-C port for data transfer.

Apple AR/VR Headset Charging Details Leaked

In the latest Power On newsletter by Mark Gurman, it is tipped that the Apple AR/VR headset will get an external battery to redistribute the weight of the device. The battery will connect to the headset via a charging cable.

The AR/VR headset will reportedly feature two ports, a USB Type-C connector for data transfer and a proprietary magnetic charger. The cable will be connected to the battery pack and cannot be separated.

In addition, the cable will be locked into place by rotating it clockwise. This will prevent the cable from coming loose when moving around. Gurman claims that the battery looks like Apple's iPhone MagSafe battery pack.

The battery is expected to power the mixed reality headset for around two hours. Considering the short battery life, extra battery packs will be required if the user wants longer VR sessions.

For a company like Apple which prides itself on design and elegance, the concept of an external battery with a wire dangling from it does not seem very elegant. It remains to be seen if the brand will come up with a solution that's not such an eyesore.

Apple AR/VR Headset Rumors

The upcoming Apple AR/VR headset will be built from materials such as glass and carbon fiber and will be equipped with an M2 processor. It will sport a 4K display for each eye, along with a slew of cameras and sensors for eye tracking and hand gestures.

Gurman states that the mixed reality headset will be largely gaming focused and will include titles from third-party developers. It will also incorporate existing apps such as Apple's Books, Camera, Contacts, FaceTime, Freeform, Mail, Maps, Messages, Music, Safari, and more.

Additionally, the headset will feature a new Wellness app and a new VR-focused Fitness+. A new portal for viewing sports in VR will also be included. The report adds that the headset can also be used as an external monitor for a Mac.

The upcoming Apple AR/VR headset will reportedly cost around $3,000. Going by trademark filings, the device will be called the "Apple Reality Pro" and will likely be announced at the WWDC on June 5.

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