We have heard so many rumors about the upcoming Apple VR and Mixed Reality headset, including news of possible delays due to its complex design The latest information may give us a little more insight into how the headsets will be connected

According to a new investor note (via 9to5Mac) from Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known Apple predictor, Apple's headset will utilize Wi-Fi 6E to provide higher bandwidth and lower latency connections This means that pesky wired connections will no longer be necessary

Kuo points out that mixed reality currently relies on wired connections because there is so much data that needs to be transferred Thankfully, Wi-Fi 6E's higher bandwidth and low latency connection may allow Apple to skip cables altogether and deliver VR and AR experiences without having to physically connect to another device

Wi-Fi 6E utilizes an entirely new frequency band, designed to move large amounts of data over the air The available bandwidth is the same as Wi-Fi 6, but Wi-Fi 6E has many more advantages

Wi-Fi 6E also utilizes 100 new data channels and seven ultra-wideband 160 MHz channels instead of the same crowded spectrum and channels as Wi-Fi 6 This not only significantly reduces interference, but Wi-Fi 6E also offers lower latency (as little as 2 ms) and avoids immersive lag

Wi-Fi 6E also requires fewer antennas, allowing for smaller and lighter devices

Sadly, Apple will still need to rely on external devices, as all the hardware needed to power standalone VR and mixed reality headsets will increase the weight of the headset and simultaneously decrease battery life This may be the case Doing it wirelessly means that all the hard work can be handled by an iPhone or Mac instead

Of course, Apple would not be the first headset maker to add more advanced wireless capabilities to its products: the Oculus Quest 2 supports Wi-Fi 6, which is used to stream at 120 Hz instead of the 90 Hz refresh rate using Wi-Fi 5 used for streaming Kuo also predicts that both Meta/Facebook and Sony, along with Apple, will launch more Wi-Fi 6 and 6E compatible headsets next year

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also reiterates a number of Apple VR and mixed reality headset rumors in the latest edition of his Power On newsletter Although there is not much new information, Gurman makes himself very well known

Gurman notes that Apple's VR and AR headset is likely to be priced higher, which is consistent with previous rumors, and that both its features and price will be similar to the headset that Meta is lining up to replace the Oculus Quest 2 Gurman's claim is not entirely accurate But if what Gurman says is true, Apple will face serious competition when that headset is released

Previous reports have stated that Apple's mixed reality headset was not designed as a consumer product Instead, it is a gateway device to prepare developers and consumers for augmented reality Apple Glasses, with the idea being that by offering AR and VR headsets upfront, Apple Glasses will have much better app support than they otherwise would have

Unfortunately, there is no word on when either device will be available Originally expected to launch in early 2022, Minch-Chi Kuo now claims that production of Apple's mixed reality headset will not begin until Q4 2022, and that this delay is due to the headset's complex design and ongoing He attributes this delay to the complex design of the headset and ongoing supply chain issues experienced throughout the tech industry Meanwhile, Apple Glasses are likely to be available in 2023 at the earliest