• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
TechApple

Apple Is Moving Forward on an Augmented Reality Headset

By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
November 8, 2017, 10:51 AM ET

Apple’s next big product launch might not be what you expect.

The tech giant is moving forward with an augmented reality headset that could make its way to store shelves in 2020, Bloomberg is reporting, citing people who claim to have knowledge of its plans. Apple hopes to be able to have the requisite technology to make its headset a reality by 2019 and then get it to customers soon after.

Apple has been publicly bullish on augmented reality instead of virtual reality. Augmented reality overlays virtual objects on the real world and can be used in a variety of ways, including in video games, corporate settings, and more. Virtual reality places a user inside a virtual world, completely removing them from the physical world.

While there have been reports previously that Apple has been working on an augmented reality headset, Apple CEO Tim Cook threw water on the idea last month, when he told The Independent in an interview that “the technology itself doesn’t exist” to create augmented reality glasses that would work “in a quality way.” He said he’s especially concerned with the “display technology” that would be required to place virtual elements over the real world.

In an earnings call last week, Cook hinted that a big augmented reality push could be coming from his company and said that new technologies “will transform the way you work, play, connect, and learn.”

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter

Some of Apple’s competitors, including Microsoft and Google, have already delivered augmented reality headsets. Microsoft’s HoloLens, for instance, can be used in the enterprise to aid people in their jobs. Waiting until 2020 to release a competing device might seem like Apple is far behind.

However, during his interview with The Independent, Cook said he wasn’t concerned about “being first.” Instead, he wants Apple “to be the best.”

“Now anything you would see on the market any time soon would not be something any of us would be satisfied with,” Cook said. “Nor do I think the vast majority of people would be satisfied.”

According to Bloomberg, the team building Apple’s headset is also designing a processor that would power the device, as well as a new operating system it’s currently calling rOS, or “reality operating system.” Several key features are still up in the air, including how users would use the headset and whether Siri voice activation should be part of the user experience. And even though the headset is still more than two years from release, Bloomberg’s sources said Apple’s launch schedule is ambitious.

About the Author
By Don Reisinger
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Tech

Exclusive: Startup Fun raises $72 million for the serious business of converting crypto and cash
CryptoVenture Capital
Exclusive: Startup Fun raises $72 million for the serious business of converting crypto and cash
By Ben WeissMay 1, 2026
23 minutes ago
The fruit fly cancer researcher who built his first prototype out of lollipop sticks and straws
NewslettersTerm Sheet
The fruit fly cancer researcher who built his first prototype out of lollipop sticks and straws
By Allie GarfinkleMay 1, 2026
2 hours ago
Apple CEO Tim Cook in Washington, D.C. on December 10, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images)
NewslettersFortune Tech
Tim Cook’s advice for Apple’s next CEO
By Andrew NuscaMay 1, 2026
2 hours ago
Newly appointed Apple CEO John Ternus (left) with outgoing CEO Tim Cook in Cupertino, Calif. (Photo courtesy Apple)
PoliticsMarkets
Apple’s new CEO said he will continue the company’s tradition of secrecy—and Wall Street loved it
By Jim EdwardsMay 1, 2026
3 hours ago
Hitting the ‘GenAI wall’: Where generative AI stops working, and what it means for your talent strategy
AILeadership
Hitting the ‘GenAI wall’: Where generative AI stops working, and what it means for your talent strategy
By François Candelon and Iavor BojinovMay 1, 2026
3 hours ago
Evan Spiegel wears a black t-shirt and speaks into a microphone while on stage.
AITech
Snap CEO praises AI for writing two-thirds of the company’s code but warns fellow tech executives underestimate ‘societal pushback’ to the tech
By Sasha RogelbergMay 1, 2026
4 hours ago

Most Popular

China dominates the world's lithium supply. The U.S. just found 328 years' worth in its own backyard
North America
China dominates the world's lithium supply. The U.S. just found 328 years' worth in its own backyard
By Jake AngeloApril 30, 2026
19 hours ago
Apple cofounder Ronald Wayne—whose stake would be worth up to $400 billion had he not sold it in 1976—says that at 91, he has no regrets
Success
Apple cofounder Ronald Wayne—whose stake would be worth up to $400 billion had he not sold it in 1976—says that at 91, he has no regrets
By Preston ForeApril 27, 2026
4 days ago
Accenture's Julie Sweet blew up 50 years of company history. She says the hardest part is still ahead
Conferences
Accenture's Julie Sweet blew up 50 years of company history. She says the hardest part is still ahead
By Nick LichtenbergApril 29, 2026
2 days ago
Google Cloud revenue is now 18% of Alphabet's business. Is this the beginning of the end of Google's search identity?
Big Tech
Google Cloud revenue is now 18% of Alphabet's business. Is this the beginning of the end of Google's search identity?
By Alexei OreskovicApril 29, 2026
1 day ago
With no end in sight, Trump considers new options in Iran war—including the ‘Dark Eagle’ hypersonic missile
Big Tech
With no end in sight, Trump considers new options in Iran war—including the ‘Dark Eagle’ hypersonic missile
By Jim EdwardsApril 30, 2026
1 day ago
America shot its arsenal empty in 2 wars. Now it needs Beijing's permission to reload
Commentary
America shot its arsenal empty in 2 wars. Now it needs Beijing's permission to reload
By Steve H. Hanke and Jeffrey WengApril 30, 2026
19 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.