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There is a strong buzz on the internet that once Apple announces its mixed-reality headset at this week's Worldwide Developers Conference, theiPhone will become redundant. Monday's Apple announcement is seen as the first step in phasing out what is the most successful tech product of all time, despite many predicting the death of the iPhone for years. The headset won't replace the iPhone at least not in a hurry.
The iPad complemented a wide range of devices that people use. The same idea applies to head-mounted displays for the next eight years, according to Tuong H. HMDs are similar to tablets and phones at an end point.
Mixed reality is a type of technology that blends physical and virtual reality to create a new environment. Mixed reality doesn't take place in the physical world but in a hybrid of both.
“If Apple believes its brand and developer ecosystem is ready to build exceptional new experiences on top of the device then it will start executing its strategy and enter the market,” explains Thomas Husson, VP and Principal Analyst – Marketing & Strategy at Forrester research. “I think it will take years before it scales up but is a way to maintain the innovation leadership.”
Apple's mixed-reality headset is looking into the future.
There is constant chatter on forums and social media that Apple needs a headset that uses mixed reality to reduce its dependence on the iPhone. This is not a good reason to create a new category.
One of the reasons Apple is one of the richest companies in the world is because of the iPhone. Even if Apple launches a new model without fanfare, it will still sell millions of units because of the maturing of the sales mechanism. The first Apple product is still available in the market. According to Apple's Q2 earnings report released May 4th, iPhone sales accounted for just less than half of the company's quarterly revenue, and it is not easy to move on from the product.
People still buy the new iPhones even if they no longer line up at Apple Stores. Apple has made both retail and manufacturing related investments as a result of the increased demand for the iPhone in Asian markets.
The stickiness of the device is one of the main reasons why it is still around. The iPad is a big-screen device while the Apple Watch is a small device. The Apple headset, whatever it will be called, will make users peer into a screen that reminds them of the iPhone but also allows them to watch a 3D video, do interactive workouts, or chat with a virtual friend.
It is not known how this new form of interactive goggles will affect the smartphone domain. The XR market which includes virtual and augmented reality devices is still in its infancy. Most people don't want to wear bulky headsets and get cut off from the real world around them, so Apple's headset is probably suffering from the same problem. Consumers aren't convinced with existing headsets Is Apple able to change that?
The high price of the device will appeal to people who write software and develop applications. Apple's mixed reality headset isn't intended for average users There will be no references to this being an Apple replacement during the keynote on Monday.
Five times a brand failed in the virtual reality market. What can be learned from them.
Apple's debut of mixed reality could very much begin the conversations around the fate of mobile in a new world where interactions require the use of eye- tracking and hand- tracking technology. Apple needs to know if a headset is better for interacting with others than a phone.
Will there be enough compelling, unique content and experiences that will make people want to adopt this device and experience compared to what they already have with other end-point computing devices?
