Apple has built an Oculus-inspired VR headset

Apple is secretly planning to enter the virtual reality market, if reports are to be believed.

The tech behemoth has assigned hundreds of workers to a ‘secret’ research division dedicated to exploring both VR and augmented reality, according to the Financial Times (via MacRumours).

This follows the news that VR expert Doug Bowman recently joined the firm, and the acquisitions of VR and AR companies FlyBy Media, Faceshift, Metaio and Emotient, as well as a slew of VR-related patents over the last few years.

Apparently, the team has already put together a prototype VR headset, based on the Oculus Rift, but also incorporating elements of Microsoft’s HoloLens AR glasses.

Although an ‘iVR’ headset might be an obvious competitor to the Android-focused Google Cardboard and Samsung’s Gear VR, the FT suggests that the proposed VR technology could instead be integrated into the long-rumoured Apple Car project.