Update: Apple's mixed reality headset is surprisingly light, and a second generation headset could arrive in 2024. [According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via MacRumors), Apple's VR headset will feature a hybrid Fresnel lens design. And it should be one of the lightest VR and mixed reality headsets ever.

According to the report, the Apple VR headset weighs about 150 grams (0.33 pounds) and will be very comfortable to wear. By comparison, the Oculus Quest 2 weighs 503 g (1.1 lbs.).

Furthermore, in typical Apple style, the company seems to ignore what the competition is doing in favor of what may eventually become a superior system.

Kuo points out that most virtual reality headsets use traditional Fresnel lenses, which in VR headsets can provide ultra-short focal lengths but result in increased headset weight

. Mixed reality headsets have the advantage of not requiring as large a field of view. This means thinner and lighter lenses can be used. According to Kuo, this seems to be the case with Apple's headset as well.

Analysts claim that each lens will consist of three stacked Fresnel lenses (six lenses total for each headset) that balance optical performance and lightweight design. Plastic lenses made with custom materials and coatings will be added to match the light transmission of the glass lenses.

We have already heard many rumors about the composition of Apple's mixed reality headset and how the company intends to keep the weight down. The main focus seems to be, unsurprisingly, on the use of lightweight materials.

This would include a plastic body similar to the one used in Apple's AirPods and an outer cover made of the same mesh found on the HomePod's speaker. The goal there is to keep the weight to a minimum while still maintaining the headset's solid "Apple" look.

Apple also had to compromise to fit a fan in the headset while keeping the weight within acceptable limits. In order to accommodate the fan needed to reliably cool the headset's powerful processor, the space normally reserved for the user to wear glasses inside the headset was removed.

The lens system is just another aspect of this. Unfortunately, Apple's VR headset will not come cheap. Apple's mixed reality headset could be $1,000 according to one of Kuo's earlier reports, while another report suggests a shockingly high price of $3,000.

Unfortunately, the Apple headset will not be available anytime soon. However, a mid-2022 release date has been given, and many leaks are expected to emerge in the coming months.