Apple may create tools to help users build AR apps for its upcoming headset
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Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is working on software to help users build their own augmented reality apps for its yet-to-be released mixed-reality headset to help boost sales of the device.
The software tools are aimed at people who don't know how to code and could use the headset's technology to build an app for them, utilizing Apple's (AAPL) Siri voice assistant and other tools embedded in the headset, The Information reported, citing people who have worked on the headset.
Apple's (AAPL) device, unlike others in the market place, is widely expected to incorporate augmented and virtual reality technologies. Other headsets, such as Meta Platforms (META) Quest line of products, only utilize virtual reality.
The news outlet provided an example of the tool that could let users build an app with virtual animals moving around a room without the need to design the animals from scratch, program animations or figure out movements.
The tools are courtesy of a previously unreported acquisition made by Apple (AAPL) in 2017, a Canadian startup known as Fabric Software, the news outlet explained.
In December, it was reported that Apple (AAPL) had increased its work on the mixed reality headset - believed to cost as much as $3,000 - in recent months. It has also changed the name of the operating system that runs the device.
Apple (AAPL) did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Seeking Alpha.
In addition, Apple (AAPL) is working on its own augmented reality content for the headset and is working with partners such as Walt Disney (DIS), Dolby Labs (DLB) and others for additional content, Bloomberg reported earlier this week.
Bloomberg added that Apple (AAPL) hopes to sell 1M units of the headset this year and is not expecting to make a profit on the device itself, a stark contrast to Apple's (AAPL) other hardware products.
Apple (AAPL) is also believed to be working on the second-generation version of the headset and have it ready for unveiling as soon as 2024 or 2025 at a significantly lower price point.
Earlier this week, Wedbush Securities reiterated Apple (AAPL) as its top tech stock for 2023 ahead of earnings season.