Apple AR/VR headset hitting some snags & may not make 2022 release

Posted:
in General Discussion
Apple is reportedly running into hardware and software challenges while developing its rumored augmented reality and virtual reality headset, potentially pushing back its announcement by at least a few months.

Apple AR/VR headset render
Apple AR/VR headset render


The Cupertino tech giant had initially targeted WWDC 2022 in June for an announcement of the device, a high-end Apple VR headset blending both virtual and augmented reality. A release was planned for later in 2022. However, Bloomberg on Friday reported that Apple is mulling a later debut.

Sources familiar with the device's development told Bloomberg that Apple was running into problems related to overheating, as well as issues with the headset's software and cameras. The thermal challenges specifically related to the fact that it uses high-end chips normally meant for mobile workstations -- including a chip on-par with the M1 Pro.

The issues are said to be forcing a change in Apple's internal release plans. With the problems in mind, Apple could announce the device closer to the end of 2022 with an actual release date in 2023.

Although Apple has reportedly instructed its supply chain partners to have the device ready for a rollout by the end of 2022, the company informed its assembly and manufacturing partners that a release isn't likely to come until 2023.

In addition to the release, Apple is reportedly planning on focusing its WWDC 2023 event around virtual and augmented reality apps for the device, which will have its own App Store

Apple's AR/VR headset would be the company's first major new product since the debut of the Apple Watch in 2015. The device is seen as one of the company's "next big things" that could help it maintain growth and sales.

Bloomberg notes that development of the device has been ongoing since around 2015. Apple initially planned to announce it 2021 and ship it in 2022, meaning that the new timetable may not be the first revision.

Given its high initial price, Apple once previously estimated that it would sell only one unit per day per Apple Store. Despite that, the company's current forecasts suggest that it's planning on shipping 7 million to 10 million units in its first year of availability.

When it launches, the AR/VR headset will face stiff competition from companies like Facebook, which is working on its own mixed-reality device. Apple's goal in the space is to create a product with more appeal than current AR headsets.

The Apple AR/VR headset would serve as a predecessor to a more ambitious and lightweight wearable that has been dubbed "Apple Glass."

Read on AppleInsider
«1

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 39
    lkrupplkrupp Posts: 10,557member
    Okay, so once again an unannounced, only rumored product is said to be hitting snags and may not be released on the rumored date. I sure hope investors don’t use tech blogs as part of their investments strategies. 

    "When it launches, the AR/VR headset will face stiff competition from companies like Facebook, which is working on its own...”

    That’s hilarious!
    StrangeDaysanantksundarambulk001watto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 39
    How many people will buy this $1000 device for entertainment ?
    GeorgeBMacdarkvader
  • Reply 3 of 39
    lkrupplkrupp Posts: 10,557member
    How many people will buy this $1000 device for entertainment ?
    More than you could ever imagine.
  • Reply 4 of 39
    flydogflydog Posts: 1,123member
    How can an announced release of a rumored product that may or may not exist be "pushed back"?   
    StrangeDaysanantksundaramdewmenadrielwatto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 39
    flydogflydog Posts: 1,123member
    How many people will buy this $1000 device for entertainment ?
    Are you serious?  The gaming market in the US alone is over $100 billion a year.  And who said this was just an entertainment device?

    edited January 2022 watto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 39
    flydog said:
    How many people will buy this $1000 device for entertainment ?
    Are you serious?  The gaming market in the US alone is over $100 billion a year.  And who said this was just an entertainment device?

    GameStop will buy them. But how many will it buy? 
    bulk001darkvader
  • Reply 7 of 39
    Should the title be; "guy guesses release date for *insert_product_here*, guesses he's wrong, and is guessing on another date"?
    JWSCnadriel
  • Reply 8 of 39
    StrangeDaysStrangeDays Posts: 12,844member
    How many people will buy this $1000 device for entertainment ?
    Nobody knows that's the price. Just like they didn't it when they claimed the iPad would launch at $1000.
    bulk001watto_cobra
  • Reply 9 of 39
    How many people will buy this $1000 device for entertainment ?
    Nobody knows that's the price. Just like they didn't it when they claimed the iPad would launch at $1000.
    Facebook and Google sole AR/VR headsets before for more than $1000. Apple never undersell competitors. 
  • Reply 10 of 39
    blastdoorblastdoor Posts: 3,258member
    edited January 2022 viclauyyc
  • Reply 11 of 39
    hexclockhexclock Posts: 1,244member
    All that processing power must get pretty warm on your face. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 12 of 39
    How many people will buy this $1000 device for entertainment ?
    Does TV and audio system count? Each of these cost multiple thousand in my house and I don’t think I am alone. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 13 of 39
    How many people will buy this $1000 device for entertainment ?
    Nobody knows that's the price. Just like they didn't it when they claimed the iPad would launch at $1000.
    Facebook and Google sole AR/VR headsets before for more than $1000. Apple never undersell competitors. 
    FB and google can’t make much money after initial sale. But apple can, aka App Store. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 14 of 39
    Made up stuff about made up stuff happening not happening.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 15 of 39
    viclauyyc said:
    How many people will buy this $1000 device for entertainment ?
    Does TV and audio system count? Each of these cost multiple thousand in my house and I don’t think I am alone. 
    I am sure you are a minority. 
  • Reply 16 of 39
    crowleycrowley Posts: 10,453member
    How many people will buy this $1000 device for entertainment ?
    Nobody knows that's the price. Just like they didn't it when they claimed the iPad would launch at $1000.
    Facebook and Google sole AR/VR headsets before for more than $1000. Apple never undersell competitors. 
    Not true.
  • Reply 17 of 39
    cpsrocpsro Posts: 3,192member
    How many people will buy this $1000 device for entertainment ?
    I'll buy it for work
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 18 of 39
    wood1208wood1208 Posts: 2,905member
    Better to be right first than first!
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 19 of 39
    bulk001bulk001 Posts: 764member
    As Apple (to my knowledge) has not announced a release date, there is no delay in delivery. Only a delay in delivery to an analysts speculation. It is what makes sites like this potentially damage Apple and their investors financially. The Apple Insider announces a purely speculative release timeframe. Stocks go up. Company does not deliver on the rumor. Some investors get burnt. If they don’t release it and the stock price drops they should sue Kuo (or whatever his name it).Apple should sue him anyway much like they did thinksecret!
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 20 of 39
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,718member
    lkrupp said:
    Okay, so once again an unannounced, only rumored product is said to be hitting snags and may not be released on the rumored date. I sure hope investors don’t use tech blogs as part of their investments strategies. 

    "When it launches, the AR/VR headset will face stiff competition from companies like Facebook, which is working on its own...”

    That’s hilarious!
    I totally agree. Sadly, this and other Apple-centric sites I could mention are no longer the tech blogs we used to know.  They are advertising-driven clickbait-ridden time-wasters.  I far prefer a few of the YouTube channels these days.
    watto_cobra
Sign In or Register to comment.