Apple Acquires VR Content Broadcasting Startup ‘NextVR’

NextVR, a startup that provides virtual-reality sports and other content for VR headsets, has been acquired by Apple, Bloomberg is reporting. The Newport Beach, California-based startup has deals with sports leagues including the National Basketball Association (NBA) and entertainment networks such as Fox Sports.

Earlier this week, NextVR officially shut down while saying on its website that it is “heading in a new direction.” The acquisition, which may help Apple’s development of VR and AR headsets with accompanying software and content, is at least the third for Apple this year.

Apple has said time and again that it buys smaller technology companies from time to time and generally does not discuss its purpose or plans.

While there is no official word on the purchase price, an earlier report from last month suggested that Apple was in talks to buy NextVR for nearly $100 million.

NextVR has also been supplying content to several existing VR headsets, including Facebook’s Oculus and devices from Sony, HTC, and Lenovo.