Apple is reportedly developing a virtual reality (VR) headset for iPhone devices through a secret team of VR and augmented reality (AR) researchers. The Apple VR headsets would be used for various applications and would challenge AR/VR devices from rivals including Sony PlayStation VR, Facebook's Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, Microsoft's HoloLens, and Google Cardboard.    

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The news was first shared by MacRumors. Its report implies that the tech giant has already completed a prototype VR headset during the past few months, and it was inspired by Facebook-owned Oculus Rift.

Various patent applications show that Apple seems to be taking steps to develop an AR/VR headset. One main goal would be to keep up with rivals including Google and Microsoft.

During the past year evidence of such a project has been piling up. Apple has purchased several high-tech startup companies including Emotient that developed artificial intelligence (AI) to read emotions from facial expressions, and Faceshift that did work for the newest Star Wars film "The Force Awakens," according to IGN.

Apple also recently hired VR expert Doug A. Bowman. He was the director Virginia Tech's Center for Human-Computer Interaction.

Virtual reality made headline news in the 1990s when video game companies including Nintendo and Sega developed VR devices for their gaming consoles. However, in 2012 Oculus VR developed a game-changing device that included the latest 3D tech for its headset.

In December 2013 an Apple patent filed in 2007 (before the iPhone was released) featuring a VR headset surfaced on the web. The "goggle system" would include an exterior cover, mid-frame, and lens to display media for the user, according to MacWorld.  

Apple's patent described the goggle system as one that resembles motorcycle eyewear or ski goggles. It would include breathable parts such as foam that would contact the wearer's face.

Apple CEO Tim Cook was also recently asked about virtual reality. It was at the company's announcement of Q1 sales figures and record-breaking profits of $18.4 billion.

Cook responded that VR is "cool" and has interesting applications.  He made similar comments about television and smartwatches before the launch of Apple TV and Apple Watch.

Here's a game demo for Microsoft's HoloLens headset: