Tim Cook Talks iPhone 7, AirPods, and Apple’s Interest in AR and VR on ABC News

[Maura]

AppleInsider reports that Apple CEO Tim Cook has been talking to Robin Roberts on ABC News about all things Apple, including the iPhone 7, of course, as well as the AirPod controversy, and even Apple’s plans for AR and VR. Cook told Roberts that Apple is definitely interested in AR and VR.

“There’s virtual reality and there’s augmented reality,” said Cook. “Both of these are incredibly interesting. But my own view is that augmented reality is the larger of the two, probably by far.” Augmented reality is at the centre of the current highest grossing iOS game of all time, of course, Pokémon Go.

“Augmented reality gives the capability for both of us to sit and be very present, talking to each other, but also have other things—visually—for both of us to see.” Cook told Roberts. “Maybe it’s something we’re talking about, maybe it’s someone else here who’s not here present but who can be made to appear to be present.”

And while Cook seemed slightly less interested in VR than AR, he did say that the latter had “some really cool areas there for education and gaming that we have a lot of interest in.”

As far as the removal of the headphone jack from the iPhone 7 is concerned, Cook said “Well, that plug, that jack takes up a lot of space in the phone. And there’s a lot of more important things we can provide for the consumer than that jack.”

Cook also said that he had found the AirPods very easy to use. “I’ve been on treadmills, walking, doing all the things you normally do,” said Cook. “You know how you walk around with the earbuds and they’re constantly getting caught on something? You never have that problem.”

Source: Tim Cook says AR, VR are 'really cool' and have garnered Apple's interest