You probably know and care that Apple is working on a VR headset design. Why should you care? One "trusted analyst" told 9to5Mac (via KitGuru) that the device may weigh just 5.2 ounces (150g).

This is not only lighter than the average supermarket apple, but much lighter than any VR or mixed reality headset currently on the market. It is even lighter than the iPhone 12, which weighs 5.8 ounces (164 g). If the rumors are true, this headset could be the lightest and highest resolution VR headset ever.

According to a research note presented to 9to5Mac by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this estimate explains that the device's minuscule weight is thanks to its ultra-short focus lens.

Fresnel's hybrid ultra-short focus lens will be made of plastic instead of glass to bring an improved field of view to the Apple VR world and significantly improve the device's contribution to weight. While there is no information on durability yet, the main caveat comes in the form of the inherent brightness reduction caused by these new lenses; Kuo notes that this will be counteracted by the company's use of Micro-OLED displays.

The headset, Kuo explains, has a "smooth, curved visor attached to the face by a mesh material and interchangeable headband." Other features expected from this potentially sub-5-ounce mixed reality headset design include advanced eye tracking, intuitive controls, 15 built-in camera modules, and the possibility of 8K Micro-OLED displays each.

If the company can find a way to make it feasible, especially in such a weight class, it would be an incredible feat. The weight of modern virtual reality headsets is a major burden for long-term users: the Oculus Quest 2 is relatively light for a head-mounted display at about 500 g, but it still feels uncomfortable after using the original strap for a while; the Valve Index is much heavier at about 800g, but the weight distribution and smart headband design help.

But if we are talking about a headset that is 80% lighter than that, it will be much more comfortable to wear than any of the best VR headsets PC can offer.

Despite its size, it is unlikely that all of this Apple VR technology will be offered for less than $1,000, and with rumors putting the release date of the lightweight VR headset somewhere in 2022, we still have to wait a while.