HoloLens 2 images leak ahead of official announcement at MWC 2019

Images of what looks to be the upcoming next generation HoloLens has leaked just hours before Microsoft is said to be unveiling the device at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. It's been four years since the first HoloLens, and thanks to these leaked images, we now know how far the hardware has come since then.

Where and when to watch Microsoft's MWC HoloLens 2 announcement

The images showcase a smaller HoloLens headset, with more padding in the forehead area. Unlike HoloLens 1, HoloLens 2 doesn't have a second head mount that keeps the device in-place on your head. Thanks to the padded front area, the only adjustable band is the one that wraps around the sides of your head, just like most Windows Mixed Reality headsets available on the market today.

In one of the images, a person is shown to be selecting a button with their finger, suggesting HoloLens 2 will feature more advanced hand-tracking. There's still no confirmation on specifications or price, but we do know that HoloLens 2, just like Surface Hub 2X, will ship with Windows Core OS, but with a UI that's built for holographic computing.

It is also believed that HoloLens 2 will be Microsoft's first Windows on ARM device, sporting a Snapdragon 850 processor which should give it more processing power and better battery life over the first generation HoloLens. Other rumored improvements include a wider field of view, better anti-aliasing on 3D elements projected on the HoloLens, and plenty other minor additions to improve the overall holographic experience.

Everything we know about HoloLens 2

Microsoft is expected to unveil HoloLens 2 officially in less than 24 hours. There, we should hear more about what Microsoft has been working on for the last four years, including when it'll be available to buy, and how much it'll cost. Are you interested in HoloLens 2? Let us know in the comments.

Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter and Threads