At WWDC 2023, Apple is anticipated to disclose the Apple VR headset – its dear first entry into the VR area. We beforehand heard that costly elements are the first motive the VR headset is anticipated to value a lot, however a brand new report signifies that its design has additionally induced manufacturing prices to soar – and may include some sturdiness points too.

Following an unsubtle tease from Apple (it has invited a number of VR consultants to WWDC 2023), and several other leaks from high analysts which have detailed the VR headset’s high-end elements (together with two processors, 12 cameras, and a powerful micro-OLED show), it appears to be like virtually sure that the Californian tech big shall be unveiling a premium VR headset at its subsequent convention. Sadly, it’ll most likely value an arm and a leg, with the headset having a rumored worth of $3,000 (round £2,200 / AU$4,400).

In accordance with a brand new report from The Data, it’s not simply the standard of the elements, however their design that’s contributing to the sky-high worth. 

The Data says it has seen a number of inner Apple renders for the headset that present it having a curved form to raised match an individual’s face. Whereas this could doubtlessly enable the headset to be worn extra comfortably  – and for Apple to trim down its measurement in comparison with flatter designs which solely curve their face padding – it additionally means Apple has needed to curve the elements contained in the headset itself.

The report provides that Apple has supposedly give you devoted options for its headset elements to swimsuit this design, creating a big curved glass show panel that’s apparently going to sit down on the headset’s outer face and a bent motherboard amongst different elements. Curving these usually flat elements has made the design course of extra complicated than an ordinary headset, and consequently, made it costlier too.

What’s extra, whereas the curved design would seemingly include some benefits, it might include one main downside: fragility.

Fragile: deal with with care

Objects don’t love being curved – particularly rigid supplies usually utilized in computing elements, resembling plastic and glass. That’s as a result of bending elements may cause extra stress and pressure, lowering the elements’ sturdiness and creating weak factors that wouldn’t be current in flat designs. 

If Apple hasn’t included protecting measures, the extra accident-prone amongst us may discover we have to take our VR headset in for extra frequent repairs than non-curved devices like an iPhone.

We at all times suggest dealing with your tech with care, however if you happen to determine to splash out on Apple’s VR headset, you may wish to take further precautions when placing it on and taking it off. You’d additionally wish to be particularly thoughtful when selecting a VR play area – anybody that’s used a VR headset will let you know they’ve bumped their fingers and head towards the odd wall or ceiling earlier than, and also you don’t need a minor bash to show into a significant drawback when your headset snaps.

As with all rumors, we’ll have to attend and see what Apple reveals at WWDC 2023 to know if the curved design shall be a real drawback or not.

Wish to discover out extra about Apple’s upcoming devices? Try our full rundown for each Apple VR headset rumor and element we have heard.