Apple's Mixed Reality headset is expected to launch sometime this year, and we already have a steady stream of rumors and reports telling us what to expect. The latest comes from Ming-Chi Kuo, who has been keeping us informed about the device.

According to Kuo (via 9to5Mac), Apple's mixed reality headset will come with a 96W charger, the same as a 14-inch MacBook Pro. Obviously Apple would not ship a device with such a powerful charger if it were not necessary.

According to Kuo, the headset's CPU and GPU require significantly higher power, so the charger will ship. That naturally leads to more power consumption; a 96W charger would take this into account and would greatly reduce charging time and get the headset up and running quickly.

This, unfortunately, does not raise high hopes for the headset's battery life. However, it may explain reports that Apple is not positioning its headset as a metaverse-compatible headset for all-day use, but rather for short-term use. One cannot use a wireless headset all day if the battery only lasts a few hours.

Kuo has already predicted that Apple will offer Mac-like performance in the headset; The Information previously claimed that it would feature Apple's "most advanced and powerful chip." At the moment, that would be the M1 Max, which is upgradeable as an option for 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops in 2021.

However, we have heard rumors of the upcoming Apple M2 chip, which is expected to appear in the 2022 MacBook Pro refresh. However, it is not yet clear how powerful this chip is or how it compares to the M1 Max. Furthermore, it is not yet clear whether Apple really wants the headset hardware to emphasize power above all else.

Needless to say, if Kuo's previous claims are correct, Apple's headset will be a bigger step forward than the iPhone and iPad; the fact that it is not expected to come with a 96W charger would also support this. For reference, the iPhone 13 and iPad Pro all support a maximum charging speed of 20W.

Apple's mixed reality headset is expected to launch later this year, with the latest rumors predicting a Q4 launch. However, this is expected to be a very premium device, so one may not have the cash to purchase one. Early rumors predicted prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

Why would Apple release a headset for VR? Rumor has it that the headset is actually a precursor to the augmented reality Apple Glasses, to allow developers enough time to develop apps for AR. Getting the public on board with the idea, even in limited quantities, is a bonus.

We will report on Apple's mixed reality headset as information becomes available.