At the beginning of 2023, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple’s upcoming mixed-reality headset would come with an external power supply. According to Gurman, Apple made the decision to offload the battery due to concerns about the device overheating and to make the headset lighter for more comfortable wear.
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In the lead-up to WWDC 2023, where Apple is expected to unveil the headset, Gurman has shared more details about the wearable’s external battery in his latest Power On newsletter. The device, rumoured to be called “Reality Pro” or “Reality One,” will have two ports, a USB-C interface for data transfers, and a new proprietary charging connector that looks similar to Apple’s recently reintroduced MagSafe power port. Gurman says the included power cable features a round tip that magnetically attaches to the headset and can be locked into place by rotating it.
The external power supply itself is about the size of an iPhone and looks like Apple’s MagSafe Battery Pack. Gurman reports that it can power the headset for up to two hours on a single charge and can be recharged using a USB-C cable connected to a MacBook Pro power adapter. Given that the device will reportedly cost around $3,000 and rely on such a cumbersome power delivery method, Gurman’s latest report highlights how much of a first-generation product Apple’s headset will be upon release.
In conclusion, while the external power supply and high cost may deter some customers, Apple’s mixed-reality headset is still expected to be a significant milestone in the tech giant’s history. The headset will offer a range of innovative features and a glimpse into the future of augmented reality.
