Apple’s upcoming headset should also offer augmented reality versions of all the essential iPhone apps, including Safari, Mail, Books, FaceTime, Fitness, TV, and more.
- The Apple Mixed Reality Headset can run existing iPad apps from the App Store.
- The company also develops AR versions of many standard iPhone apps.
- Developers will offer their own AR/VR apps for the device.
What applications can the Apple headset offer?
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has outlined what we can expect from Apple’s upcoming AR/VR headset. The device will offer gaming, sports, fitness and meditation software. In particular, AR versions of standard Apple iPhone apps such as Mail, Safari, and Messages will be available for the headset.
In addition, people will be able to download any application specifically created for the iPad. The report states that these apps will run in the headset’s 3D interface, but won’t offer any AR or VR functionality.
Much of the effort is focused on adapting iPad apps for the new headset, which combines virtual and augmented reality. Users will be able to access millions of existing third-party applications through a new 3D interface.
And this:
Many iPad apps from the App Store will be able to run on the headset either automatically or with minor modifications.
Standard applications that an Apple headset can offer
In addition to sports services and headset versions of existing iPad features such as Control Center, Apple will offer the following apps optimized for augmented reality:
- Books
- Calendar
- Contacts
- face time
- Files
- Fitness+
- House
- Cards
- Messages
- Music
- News
- Notes
- Photo
- Reminders
- Stock
- TV
- Weather
In addition to the apps above, the Cupertino-based company should offer AR versions of Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iMovie, and GarageBand. As you can see, Apple will offer AR headset versions of almost every important app that comes preinstalled on the iPhone.
Read the full details at Bloomberg.
The app will be for almost everything
“Immersive video will also be extended to the TV app, where the company plans to allow users to watch videos in various virtual environments such as the desert or the sky,” explains Gurman. The AR version of FaceTime will reportedly have features similar to FaceTime on the iPad, while Fitness+ will include virtual reality instructors.
The Books app will let you read in virtual reality. Apple is also working on an AR version of its Freeform collaboration app, which will supposedly allow people to work together on whiteboards in mixed reality.
“The company is also testing a camera app that can take pictures with a headset,”the article says. “In terms of health, the app will help users meditate with soothing graphics, sounds, and voice-overs.”
WWDC opening
Every device needs apps to be successful. iPhone and iPad enjoy strong third-party support. Apple’s first headset is considered an expensive accessory, costing over $3,000, as the first version is clearly aimed at software developers.
This thing is due to be unveiled at WWDV in June, when an API will be provided for developers to build apps for the device’s new xrOS operating system.
Apple is reportedly already working on a successor to the first headset and two more affordable versions that should appeal to mainstream users.
How will I navigate the Apple Headset interface?
The device will be able to run multiple applications at the same time. Improved eye tracking lets you navigate menus and the new 3D device interface. Obviously, you will be pinching your fingers to select something.
There will be a digital crown-like dial to seamlessly switch between virtual and augmented reality. The air dialing feature may not be ready during prime time, but users will be able to plug in a physical keyboard for typing if they choose.
Voice control via Siri will also be supported.