The M2 features redesigned central processing units and a significant memory increase, which would provide a big boost to the much-rumoured headset over the previous M1 chip
Apple’s first mixed-reality headset may have something in common with the company’s latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The headset, which is expected to be just one piece in a ‘deluge’ of products rumoured to be unveiled next year, could sport the company’s flagship M2 processor, according to Mark Gurman’s Sunday newsletter for Bloomberg.
The M2, unveiled in June alongside the new MacBook Air and Pro, features redesigned central processing units and a significant memory increase, which would provide a big boost to the much-rumoured headset over the previous M1 chip.
The M2 and M1 both feature an 8-core CPU, with four performance cores and four efficiency cores. However, the M2 has two more GPU cores for a total of 10, as well as a neural engine capable of 5.8 trillion operations per second, more than 40% more operations than on the M1 according to Apple.
It means the headset should be able to put its dual-8K micro OLED displays to good use. Apple’s headset with an M2 would be able to create more visually impressive and more realistic AR and VR experiences.
The headset, reportedly incorporating both virtual and augmented reality environments, is expected to provide a boon to the gaming industry. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said earlier in the week that the headset – expected to be announced in January 2023 – would be the most complicated product Apple has designed yet.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has been vocal in his excitement about AR. Earlier this week, he explained that the tech industry is still in the ‘very early innings’ of this technology’s possibilities.
Last week, Apple CEO Tim Cook all but confirmed the headset’s existence when he told interviewers at China Daily to ‘stay tuned and you will see what we have to offer’ in the mixed reality space.
Gurman, a tech reporter who has a reputable track record of uncovering details about upcoming Apple products, expects other products to debut in the next 12 months, including four iPhone 14 models, three Apple Watch variations, several Macs with M2 and M3 chips, iPads, updated AirPods Pro earbuds, a fresh HomePod and an upgraded Apple TV.