Apple iPhone's potential replacement in works; Here's how it looks

We might have a new iPhone successor.

By Vishal

| Published: Thursday, February 15, 2018, 12:04 [IST]

Yes, you read that right. Apple is reportedly working on something big, and if everything sticks to the stratagem, we might have a potential replacement for Apple's flag bearer - the iPhone. The long-rumored augmented reality glasses are said to be works in Cupertino.

Apple iPhone's potential replacement in works; Here's how it looks

Apple is yet to unveil a standalone AR device in the market, but several reports indicate otherwise. Back in July, iDrop News reported about the AR device after a team member from Apple Support confirmed its existence.

Although it's unclear how the actual device would shape up, iDrop News has published a set of renders that shows how the 'Apple Glass' could look like and what it would be capable of.

Design

The basic premise of the smart glass would be to keep it close to the regular pair of glasses. This also means Apple will keep the aesthetics of the device simple, which also fits the bill if we see company's wider product portfolio.

This also makes more sense when you account for the fact that AR device such as Google Glass which saw the light of day years ago, failed because of their goofy-looking design.

As far as the frame of the glass is concerned, the company will likely opt for high-quality metal. The information is backed by the fact that the Cupertino company approached one of its metal casing suppliers to develop the AR glasses.

The frame is also said to have a slew of cameras, sensors and wireless antennas that would enable its users to use the device as an alternative to their smartphones.

Just like iPhone X's controversial 'notch,' the smart glasses could also house one of the ambient sensors and the camera. On the sides, it can feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth components, and the split antenna design seen on the iPhones.

The arms of the glasses are likely to be fabricated using a luxe material such as soft leather, to make it more comfortable to sport. Besides, Apple will also cram-in the chipset, sensors and the Taptic Engine in the arms. This will allow users to interact with the glasses just by tapping on either of the arms. It will also integrate Siri and display maps, texts, and video.

Wireless charging and OS

Since the glasses will be sans the power port, wireless charging seems the only way it could be fuelled up. Also, Apple would be working to optimize the power consumption of the device to keep it fired up for a longer duration. Like all other Apple devices that support wireless charging, the glasses are likely to follow the Qi wireless charging standards.

As for the operating system, it's hard to determine how the device will function. Since the reports suggest that this would a standalone device, it could possibly have its own OS. It will likely have its own set of apps specifically designed for augmented reality features.

Release date and pricing

Although Apple has refused to confirm the project publicly, the reports suggest that the company is working on a project dubbed 'Project Mirrorshades' that would succeed the iPhone.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the company aims to have a device ready by 2019, with the shipping to commence as early as 2020.