Apple AR/VR Headset May Hit Stores in January

High-tech industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo offered the most specific forecast for the release date of Apple’s augmented/virtual reality headset: January 2023.

detailed analysis

Kuo called the headset “the most complex product Apple has ever designed”, noting that many of Apple’s current suppliers are involved in the product’s supply chain. He also echoed other recent leaks and speculation that the future headset won’t focus solely or primarily on augmented reality (which puts virtual experiences in real space) rather than virtual reality (which immerses the user in a fully virtual space).

Kuo echoed other recent reports and noted that the device will support “watching videos”and allow switching between modes. As such, he predicted that the headset would be a boon for the immersive gaming industry.

The analysis covered not only Apple headsets, but also other parts of the VR/AR industry. He pointed to several weaknesses in the mixed reality business at Meta (which owns Oculus headsets as well as Facebook and Instagram). He wrote that Meta is slowing down its investment, creating opportunities for future competitors like Apple. He also suggested that Meta’s practice of selling VR headsets at a loss is unsustainable, a fact that could help Apple’s capabilities.

Bloomberg

Also, earlier this week, Apple CEO Tim Cook ignited rumors about an AR/VR headset in an interview with China Daily USA:

I am incredibly excited about AR, as you may know. And the most important thing for any technology, including augmented reality, is to put a person in the center. .. But I think that we are still at the very beginning of the development of this technology. I’m very excited about the opportunities we’ve seen in this space and kind of stay tuned and you’ll see what we have to offer.

A series of insider stories from The Information last month painted a picture of the device’s evolution, saying it went through several changes as Apple executives internally debated the best way forward. The standalone handheld concept, which uses some variant of Apple’s recently released M2 chip, has reportedly outperformed a more powerful device that would have required a base station.