Apple CEO Tim Cook Downplays Metaverse And Predicts 'Profound' Impact Of AR

Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple Inc., says in a recent interview that augmented reality is the future while downplaying the so-called metaverse.

Cook described Augmented Reality (AR), in which virtual objects are superimposed on the actual environment using glasses or a smartphone, as a transformative technology that would soon be as common as a smartphone or the internet in an interview that was published by the Dutch media outlet Bright on Friday.

Cook, though, was not as enthusiastic about virtual reality, or the metaverse as Mark Zuckerberg's Meta Platforms Inc. META, +2.16% has dubbed its version.

Cook said that Apple has mainly refrained from using the phrase "metaverse," stating, “I always think it’s important that people understand what something is. I’m really not sure the average person can tell you what the metaverse is,”

 Cook remarked I don’t think you want to live your whole life that way,” “VR is for regular periods, but not a way to communicate well.” Cook added.  

According to reports, Apple is developing at least two new mixed-reality products, including a standalone AR/VR headset and wearable AR glasses. The debut of the spectacles is thought to be years away, even though the headgear is expected to arrive later this year or in 2023.

Cook stated in the interview that computer programming is the most crucial language for students to learn today and that the largest threat facing the globe is climate change. He cited Apple's attempts to lessen its carbon footprint and declared, “The world is now on an unsustainable course,”