Today, Apple is going to announce a new product category and that is always exciting. Here are a few things to think about as they announce their headset:

What’s the Technology Jump?

There’s been a lot of speculation and rumors that the new technology Apple is using will be significantly better than that before it in terms of screen resolution. If it’s true, will virtual reality get over a tipping point today where it is, feels more about the “reality“ part, and less about the “virtual“ part? If true, this could really be the jump this technology needed in order to become something more.

What’s the User Interface?

Apple always revolutionizes user interfaces. They did that on the Mac, the iPhone, the iPad, and the Apple Watch. They’ve been spending a lot of time and money researching virtual reality and augmented reality leading up to today. I can’t wait to see how they tackle the user interface face problem. If history is any judge, whatever they announce today will be in all competing products within a few years.

What’s the Story?

Another thing Apple is good at is coming up with a story around their technology. Assuming we do have significantly better technology, and a better user interface, how does that change virtual reality into something that’s more useful than playing VR games? What is their story behind this product? Where do they see us using it? How can it make our lives easier?

Those are the big three questions in my mind as we head towards today’s keynote. If Apple can deliver on those three questions, virtual reality is about to get much more interesting.

While there has been little secret that Apple will announce its headset next week (now we’re hearing that they’ve invited many virtual reality experts to the event), the question of when Apple will release the headset is much thornier. Of note is that we’ve not seen leaks from manufacturing. That usually happens once Apple hardware goes into production. That could mean that either Apple is not yet in production or they are making headsets in small, controlled batches.

Also of note is that nobody outside of Apple has seen the current state of the software. They could have the hardware locked down but are still waiting to finish the software. Historically, new product categories are the only place where Apple announces early. The iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch were all announced months before product release. In effect, Apple is planting its flag in the product space.

I don’t think anyone outside of Apple knows when you’ll be able to buy a headset, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple isn’t a bit vague about that question when they announce with something like “later this year” or “early next year”. Regardless, if I had to bet a nickel, I’d say it is at least six months before you can buy one.