Sources: Apple's headset will scan users' irises for logging in and making payments and will have two downward-facing cameras to capture users' legs for avatars
By the time Apple introduces its much-anticipated mixed reality headset—planned for sometime next year—Meta Platforms …
The InformationWayne Ma
Context & Ripple Effects
Apple's headset plans had already been associated with advanced eye tracking and possible iris recognition, and a report the day before described iris scanning for headset login and payments. This account adds a second capture function: downward-facing cameras intended to bring users' legs into avatars.
Later coverage described the same product direction as combining eye and hand tracking with a 3D iOS-like interface. Together, the reports position the headset's cameras as both an input system and an identity layer, rather than merely a display accessory.
First-order effects
Apple's headset design would use iris recognition to authenticate users for both access and in-headset purchases, tying payment approval to the device's sensor stack.
Users' avatar representation would extend to leg movements through the two downward-facing cameras, adding a body-capture role alongside eye tracking.
Second-order effects
Apps that take payments inside Apple's headset would rely on Apple's biometric sign-in path rather than asking users to establish a separate headset credential.
Apple's headset software and avatar experiences would be designed around the camera inputs Apple controls, reinforcing its role as the gatekeeper for identity, payments, and embodied interaction.
Third-order effects
If this design becomes standard across headsets, mixed-reality platforms will increasingly compete on integrated sensing systems that combine biometric authentication, transaction approval, and avatar inputs.
The pattern points to headset ecosystems becoming more vertically integrated: the platform owner controls the sensors that establish who a user is, how they appear, and how they authorize purchases.
The trend: Mixed-reality hardware is evolving from display-focused devices into sensor-led platforms where identity, payments, and avatar presence share the same input stack.
According with my resource, Apple is working on a new version of iMessage completely renewed. New home, chat rooms, video clips, and new chat features in AR. It should be released next year along with the new headset #Apple #AppleAR #iMessage
Apple's AR/VR headset will give the Meta Quest Pro a run for its money next year. The differentiating features include iris scanning and downward facing cameras to capture users' legs to better represent their avatars. My latest scoop for @theinformation https://www.theinformatio…
Apple's PR agency earning their retainer today by strategically picking today of all days to say “we will not be releasing our device until it can actually detect legs, which it will” https://www.theinformation.com/ ...
While an iMessage redesign could happen and is an obvious way to refresh people's interest in the platform, this leak is way too sketchy. Not sure what AR iMessage features would even look like. Very odd. Though I'm sure iMessage will be possible on the headset, but in AR? https:…
wild to watch Meta take a bath in the public markets with its metaverse investment while Apple silently builds a competing worldview with house R&D money (and the markets don't notice) https://www.theinformation.com/ ...
All I want is from them to implement industry messaging standards so my phone works with the green bubble people. I was trying to send a contractor pictures yesterday to get a bid on something and had to give up and use email. Thanks, Apple. https://twitter.com/...
It unironically rules that the killer app for VR headsets is proving to be “legs.” We're like two years out from an Apple commercial of a bunch of dudes playing soccer with headsets on so you can see the leg tracking. https://twitter.com/...
Oh snap “Two downward-facing cameras apparently capture a user's legs, offering another feature that the Quest Pro does not have.” https://www.macrumors.com/...