The virtual reality (VR) headset from Apple must employ “hybrid Fresnel” lenses to maintain weight of the device below 150 grams, while improving its quality and optical performance, according to a new technical report by expert analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, released by MacRumors.

If you didn't find the name strange, congratulations, first of all, you devoted VR fan. “Hybrid Fresnel” is a patented technology by the Facebook, used by the company in the composition of the lenses of the devices Oculus.

Three layers of lenses for each eye

According to Kuo, what the VR headset Apple What you should do is use three layers of Fresnel lenses (invented about 200 years ago) for each eye space – totaling six lenses in total – completing the rest of the device's construction with lighter plastic components.

“The purpose of this design is to improve the field of view [FOV] and reduce the thickness and weight [of the device],” Kuo said. “We believe that Apple will use a hybrid Fresnel lens design to improve performance (e.g., improve the visualization of vignetting and optical artifacts), with each hybrid Fresnel array having three normal Fresnel lenses. We believe that the design of the Apple will achieve a better balance of shape and FOV than competitors.”

Lenses can be from Young Optics and Genius Electronic Optical

According to rumors, the Fresnel lenses will be supplied by Young Optics in partnership with Genius Electronic Optical. However, these possible advances do not mean a reduction in the final price of the device (it is up to Apple what are we talking about, after all…). Rumors indicate that the VR headset from Apple should come out with a suggested cost of US$ 3 thousand (R$ 16,43 thousand in direct conversion).

That is, of course, assuming the project actually exists: although Kuo has broad credibility with all things involving the Apple and have several rumors that have been proven on his resume, Apple itself has never signaled the development of any VR project. The expectation is that the device that it theoretically has in production will be launched in the first quarter of 2022.

Featured image: Weibo