Update: 3 things we know about Apple's AR headset, and 4 big unknowns.

The Information reports that Apple's rumored mixed reality headset, at least in its first generation, will require a separate device to do the heavy lifting.

In any case, the structure of the custom chip allegedly designed for the headset suggests it: according to The Information, the 5-nanometer system-on-chip (SoC) for the headset does not contain Apple's neural engine and Instead, it is said to be optimized for wireless transfer of data, video compression and decompression, and power efficiency to ensure the longest possible battery life.

This strongly suggests that all heavy processing will be done elsewhere. This is not unprecedented; the first generation Apple Watch worked the same way, acting as a window into apps hosted on a connected iPhone. With each generation, the Apple Watch becomes more capable in its own right, and it is quite possible that Apple's much-rumored AR/VR headset will follow a similar path.

The report states that the headset may have its own CPU and GPU inside for limited functionality, but the information that it may require outside help is not entirely surprising.

Back in 2020, Bloomberg reported on differences within Apple over how the headset should function, with early versions relying on "a stationary hub similar to a small Mac in prototype" to function. Some, including Jony Ive (and eventually Tim Cook), thought the hub should be scrapped. However, if this report is correct, it appears that it may be relocated to hardware that it already owns.

As for the hardware itself, The Information has another interesting piece of information. The headset may feature an "unusually large" image sensor, and indeed, it is reportedly so large that it would be difficult to manufacture.

The image sensor will apparently be as large as one of the headset's lenses and is intended to "capture high-resolution image data from the user's surroundings for AR. The former traditionally requires complete eye coverage, while the latter requires the user to see the outside world. High-resolution streams allow the latter without compromising the former.

However, the headset will not be unveiled at an event Apple is holding this month. The first generation is said to arrive in 2022, the improved second generation in 2023, and if we follow Ming-Chi Kuo's insights, in 2025. However, there is still no official announcement that Apple is really working on a mixed reality headset, which means that there is still no official announcement that Apple is really working on a mixed reality headset.

Tim Cook is reportedly eager to launch another major product category before giving way to someone else, and a headset may be in the CEO's future. Apple will therefore spend as much time as necessary to get things right.