Apple (AAPL) chief executive Tim Cook has hinted that his company is developing an augmented reality (AR) headset.
In an interview with the China Daily newspaper, Tim Cook was asked about an AR headset and responded by saying “stay tuned and you will see what we have to offer.”
It’s the biggest hint yet that Apple is working on an AR device, which has been rumored to be in development for several years.
During the media interview, Cook added that he “couldn’t be more excited” about augmented reality despite the technology being “in the very early innings” of its development.
Cook has discussed augmented reality dozens of times and has said that he’s the technology’s “number one fan.” He has also said that AR is a “critically important part of Apple’s future.”
Rumors have been swirling for years that Apple is working on an AR headset or even a combination augmented and virtual reality headset. The latest thinking is that the device is a self-contained unit with the computer that powers the headset built in.
Apple stock is down 26% this year at $135.35 a share.
Cook’s comments to the China Daily newspaper give the impression that an AR device is almost ready to showcase. Work on its operating system, called Reality OS, has ramped up, according to other media reports in recent months.
Despite that, Cook’s comment isn’t proof that Apple’s AR device is ready to show to the public. So far, no date regarding an announcement related to augmented reality has been scheduled by Apple.
