Apple looking at January 2023 for AR headset release, Kuo says

Posted:
in General Discussion edited June 2022
The rumored Apple mixed-reality headset is "likely" to make its debut in January 2023 and will accelerate the growth of the entire headset market, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Apple VR headset
Apple VR headset


In a blog post on Thursday, Kuo outlined some of his expectations for the AR and VR industry going forward. Specifically, his analysis focuses on how Meta will compete when Apple enters the arena.

Kuo calls the upcoming Apple VR device a potential "game-changer for the headset industry." He added that the launch of the device, "likely" in early 2023, will accelerate the rapid growth of the headset sector.

"Although Apple has repeatedly reiterated its focus on AR, I believe Apple AR/MR supporting video see-thru could also offer an excellent immersive experience," Kuo wrote. "Therefore, the launch of Apple AR/MR will further boost the demand for immersive gaming/multimedia entertainment."

The analyst says that the AR/MR headset will be the "most complicated product" Apple has ever touched, so many existing suppliers are also in the supply chain.

Additionally, Kuo said that Apple's position in the industry affords it many competitive advantages, including allowing the company to forego joining the Metaverse Standards Forum.

"After Apple launches AR/MR headset, I think Apple's global rivals will compete to imitate it, leading the headset hardware industry to the next stage of rapid growth and benefiting the related services and content ecosystem," he says.

Although some expected Apple to announce or launch the AR/MR device during WWDC 2022, that ultimately didn't pan out. Back in May, however, a report indicated that the Apple mixed-reality headset had reached an "advanced" stage of development -- with the device potentially being ready for release by 2023.

The AR/MR headset itself is expected to be a premium headset focused on virtual- or mixed-reality experiences and games, instead of a pair of dedicated augmented reality glasses like the so-called "Apple Glass."

Reports indicate that it'll sport a pair of 4K OLED displays, 15 different camera modules, and a powerful chip more akin to the M1 than Apple's A-series. It's expected to cost around $3,000.


Read on AppleInsider

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 9
    amar99amar99 Posts: 181member
    After the many years of rumors for Apple to release an AR / VR headset, I do believe the recent spacial audio endeavors have been a lead up to this. Audio is in place for a visual experience to accompany it. Only question is when.
    byronl
  • Reply 2 of 9
    DAalsethDAalseth Posts: 2,783member
    They have been six months from release for years now. I’ll believe it when there’s something more definite that an analyst’s speculation. 
    tht
  • Reply 3 of 9
    DAalseth said:
    They have been six months from release for years now. I’ll believe it when there’s something more definite that an analyst’s speculation. 

    The difference is this a supply chain analyst. He is tracking the production of the parts needed for a January launch. While off on a few things, he has a good track record.

    .
    canukstormbyronl
  • Reply 4 of 9
    danoxdanox Posts: 2,853member
    January release no……
  • Reply 5 of 9
    thttht Posts: 5,444member
    danox said:
    January release no……
    Kuo meant "release" as in media announcement of the product, like the Watch or the iPhone had. Apple announces it as early at January, but actual ordering and shipping to buyers will be 6 to 8 months later, like the Mac Pro, Watch, iPhone, and other products that they've done that way.

    Like others, I won't believe it until I see it. Then, if it makes me puke, well, obviously not a product for me. Not that interested in a goggles product anyway. Much more interested in an eyeglasses form factor AR product that can project virtual displays while I'm sitting down. An application or video, just floating in the air next to my LCD displays would be great.
  • Reply 6 of 9
    $3,000 ????
    h2p
  • Reply 7 of 9
    $3,000 ????
    Wait until you see the price of a not-included strap.  ;)
    beowulfschmidt
  • Reply 8 of 9
    DAalsethDAalseth Posts: 2,783member
    DAalseth said:
    They have been six months from release for years now. I’ll believe it when there’s something more definite that an analyst’s speculation. 

    The difference is this a supply chain analyst. He is tracking the production of the parts needed for a January launch. While off on a few things, he has a good track record.

    .
    Speculation on supply chain rumours is even worse. No, I’ll believe it when I see someone from Apple demoing one on stage. Until then it’s all just guesswork. 
  • Reply 9 of 9
    h2ph2p Posts: 329member
    $3,000 ????
    $3K that’s a bit more than premium. That’s actually a price you might pay if you were building a physical arcade ala Lasertag and needed a headset for that purpose — “semi industrial.” So I’m hoping it’s closer to $1k. That is a premium product that will sell well. 

    I was warned by my PC family that the original iPad was going to be $2,000. We agreed that it would hardly sell. The rumor at the time was $500 so when released at $500 the rest was history. Apple’s goal of 3 million happened very quickly. 25 million in the first year (https://www.cultofmac.com/474189/tiah-first-ipad-reviews/)
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