Apple AR/VR Headset to Feature Wi-Fi 6/6E Support

Apple's rumored AR/VR headset will feature support for the newer Wi-Fi 6/6E specification, according to a report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

The adoption of the latest Wi-Fi specification is a basic requirement for head-mounted displays (HMDs) to improve the wireless experience. New HMDs from Meta, Apple, and Sony will all adopt Wi-Fi 6/6E in 2022.

Recent reports predict Apple's headset will need to be wirelessly tethered to an iPhone or similar device. Custom chips designed by Apple will rely on the external device for advanced features, similar to how early versions of the Apple Watch functioned. A strong and fast Wi-Fi connection will be essential to good performance.


"Wi-Fi 6 is significantly better than Wi-Fi 5 in transmission speed and power consumption, so Meta's latest Oculus Quest 2 supports Wi-Fi 6," writes Kuo. "Wi-Fi 6 helps Oculus Air Link operate more stably and allows for a display refresh rate of up to 120Hz (compared to 72Hz or 90Hz for Wi-Fi 5)."

Despite production delays, Kuo still expects Apple to launch the headset in the fourth quarter of 2022.

We forecast Meta, Apple, and Sony to be the most influential brands in the metaverse device market in 2022, with Meta, Apple, and Sony launching new HMDs in 2H22, 4Q22, and 2Q22, respectively.

Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for updates.


[via MacRumors]