Apple’s augmented reality roadmap -------------------------------------- Apple could release an augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) combination headset in 2022, followed a year later by sleeker AR glasses -------------------------------------- INDUSTRY CHATTER -------------------------------------- Aug 2018: Apple purchases Akonia Holographics, maker of AR lenses -------------------------------------- Dec: Hires former Microsoft HoloLens* designer Andrew Kim -------------------------------------- Feb 2019: iPhone executive Frank Casanova named first Head of AR Marketing -------------------------------------- Mar: Report claims Apple plans to launch AR glasses as iPhone accessory -------------------------------------- Apr: Apple hires Jaunt VR founder Arthur van Hoff -------------------------------------- Sep: Hacked iOS 13 code suggests Apple is testing AR headset, codenamed Garta -------------------------------------- Nov: Apple enters into partnership with Valve, video game developer and maker of Index VR headset -------------------------------------- 2020: New iPad Pro and iPhone models to feature AR 3D scanners -------------------------------------- 2022: Apple to release hybrid AR-VR headset – focusing on games, videos and virtual meetings -------------------------------------- 2023: Sleeker Apple AR glasses to arrive -------------------------------------- AR-VR HEADSET – 2022 -------------------------------------- VR: Stereoscopic screens show fully immersive computer-generated environments -------------------------------------- AR: External cameras show real life surroundings, and computer superimposes graphics over them -------------------------------------- Self- contained hardware -------------------------------------- AR GLASSES – 2023 -------------------------------------- AR: Users see real environment around them with graphic overlays displayed on lenses -------------------------------------- Both devices use 3D sensor system – advanced version of Face ID -------------------------------------- Battery and circuitry: Within stems and frame -------------------------------------- Computing tasks offloaded to paired iPhone -------------------------------------- Lenses darken when in operation, to signal to observers that user is otherwise occupied -------------------------------------- Sources: The Verge, Bloomberg, MacRumors *$5,000 industry AR headset © GRAPHIC NEWS 235 words