Cupertino, California – At Apple’s highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023, the tech giant is set to unveil its inaugural mixed reality headset, rumored to be called Reality Pro. However, in a surprising move, Apple is expected to caution potential customers with specific health conditions against purchasing or using the device due to potential health impacts associated with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences.
The news was first reported by Mark Gurman, Bloomberg’s Chief Correspondent on technology, who has been a reliable source for Apple-related information in the past. According to Gurman, Apple plans to include warnings on the product, alerting individuals with certain health conditions to refrain from using the Reality Pro headset.
Among the health conditions that Apple is reportedly concerned about are Meniere’s Disease, past traumatic brain injuries, post-concussion syndrome, migraines, and vertigo. Additionally, individuals with inner ear infections, ADHD/ADD, pacemakers, epilepsy, a history of blackouts/seizures, or those who are pregnant are also advised against using the device.
Gurman emphasized that such health warnings are common practice for most headsets in the industry. However, he commended Apple for being particularly cautious and proactive in ensuring user safety. The company’s commitment to protecting its customers’ well-being has been a hallmark of its approach to product development.
To provide attendees and media with a firsthand experience of the Reality Pro headset, Apple has constructed a large structure on the Apple Park campus. Located near the employee fitness center on the basketball courts, this setup allows for controlled hands-on demos of the device during the conference. Apple also plans to continue providing demos throughout the summer.
During the WWDC, Apple intends to showcase the immersive capabilities of the Reality Pro headset, focusing on its application in FaceTime, Apple TV+ content, and gaming. With an emphasis on delivering a truly engaging and transformative experience, Apple aims to push the boundaries of mixed reality technology.
In addition to the health warnings, some testers have encountered issues with the prototype devices overheating. As the product nears its Design Validation Testing (DVT) phase, Apple is actively addressing this concern to ensure a seamless and safe user experience upon release.
The WWDC 2023 event will commence with a keynote address by Apple CEO Tim Cook on Monday at 10:30pm Indian Standard Time (IST). Held at the iconic Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California, the five-day conference will not only feature the unveiling of the Reality Pro headset but also showcase a range of new and updated Apple products.
As anticipation mounts for Apple’s groundbreaking mixed reality headset, Reality Pro, customers eagerly await further details regarding its release date, pricing, and availability. With its strong focus on user safety and cutting-edge technology, Apple is poised to make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving world of augmented and virtual reality.
The information in this article is based on pre-release reports and should be considered as speculative until officially confirmed by Apple during WWDC 2023.