Apple's unannounced virtual reality (VR) headset could drop in 2022 as a standalone device that may require a fan to cool down "some of the most advanced and powerful chips" it has.

Sources claim that custom Apple silicon for the rumored VR accessory is so advanced that it beats the company's latest M1 processors which power the refreshed MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini computers. The headset should rock displays of higher resolution than comparable screens in existing VR products.

Mark Gurman, reporting for Bloomberg News, has also learned from unnamed sources that the headset will be an expensive "niche precursor" to the more ambitious augmented reality (AR) glasses which may be formally announced as early as 2023.

The powerful chips and the inclusion of a fan initially led to a device that was too large and heavy with some concern about neck strain in early testing. Apple removed the space that VR gadgets reserve for users who need to wear eyeglasses, which brought the headset closer to the face and helped shrink the size.

A VR headset also needs to be as light as possible. To help with that, Apple reportedly opted for a fabric design. A fabric exterior would definitely help reduce the headset weight.

Hand Tracking and Air Typing

Speaking of which, Gurman claims that the product's weight is comparable to that of the Oculus Quest headset. Some of the prototypes in testing are thought to include external cameras for various AR capabilities. These reportedly include a hand-tracking feature and another feature that would permit a user to type virtually in the air to input text.

Related: The Best AR Games for Kids

The report goes on to outline other rumored features, including a system that would permit the user to insert custom prescription lenses over the displays. Because of that, Apple will probably need permission from regulators from all around the world to sell its glasses.

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According to the Bloomberg report, the pompon is also discussing how it would implement prescriptions at the point of sale on Apple.com and in its physical retail stores.

Apple's mixed AR/VR strategy

Last year, Bloomberg News detailed Apple's updated AR/VR strategy. That report claimed that the company originally aimed to create a headset as a VR accessory that would require an iPhone for processing. Such an approach would have been similar to the Apple Watch, which still requires a paired iPhone for complete functionality.

Related: The Best VR Apps for Google Cardboard

Other companies have followed that route---Sony's PlayStation VR, for example, needs a PlayStation console to work. But, former Chief Design Officer Jony Ive is said to have dropped those plans in favor of a standalone device akin to Facebook's latest VR product.

A 1,000-People Development Team

Although nothing is 100% concrete until Tim Cook and other executives take the stage to officially announce those rumored AR and VR accessories, prior reporting claims the company had assigned around 1,000 engineers to the AR/VR projects.

You just don't put that many people to work on a single product for years unless you're dead serious about eventually releasing it. On the other hand, there are no guarantees in technology. To put it in simpler terms, it's entirely possible that these AR/VR devices from Apple won't leave the exploratory stage anytime soon.