Apple AR headset debut at WWDC in doubt

AppleInsider · March 30, 2023 12:18PM

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple is not "optimistic" about launching its AR/VR headset and has pushed back mass production, meaning it may not get an announcement at WWDC.

A render of a potential Apple headset [AppleInsider]

Apple has long been expected to launch its forthcoming mixed-reality headset at its WWDC keynote, which is now slated for June 5. However, a detailed new tweet from Ming-Chi Kuo casts doubt on when it will be launched.

Because Apple isn't very optimistic about the AR/MR headset announcement recreating the astounding "iPhone moment," the mass production schedule for assembly has been pushed back by another 1-2 months to mid-to-late 3Q23. The delay also adds uncertainty to whether the new device
-- (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo)
March 30, 2023

The main concerns for Apple not being very optimistic regarding the market feedback to the AR/MR headset announcement," continues Kuo, "include the economic downturn, compromises on some hardware specifications for mass production (such as weight), the readiness of the ecosystem and applications, a high selling price (USD 3,000-4,000 or even higher), etc."

Whether or not the headset gets unveiled at WWDC in June, Kuo says that "due to the delay in mass production for assembly, the shipment forecast this year is only 200,000 to 300,000 units, lower than the market consensus of 500,000 units or more."

It's expected that Apple's first headset will be reminiscent of skiing goggles, in overall shape and perhaps size. There are believed to be 4K OLED displays in front of each eye, and an exterior screen showing the facial expressions of the user.

Also outside the headset will be over a dozen cameras and sensors, which will capture body movement and, again, facial expressions. Apple is expected to include at least one camera within the headset, which will focus on the wearer's eye movement and so detect when battery-saving steps can be taken without interrupting the user's attention.

Recently, it was reported that Apple had decided to launch the headset in 2023 against the advice of the company's industrial design team. Despite "huge pressure to ship," that team reportedly wanted to wait until it was possible to make a lightweight, Apple Glass-style headset.

Read on AppleInsider

twolf2919 · March 30, 2023 1:13PM

"It's expected that Apple's first headset will be reminiscent of skiing goggles, in overall shape and perhaps size." - if it is expected to look that way, it's only because every single rumor article over the last 2 years - whether it's about an upcoming AR or VR headset - has an accompanying render of such skiing goggles. A render that wasn't even a leak from anywhere - just someone's imagination.

edited March 2023

foregoneconclusion · March 30, 2023 1:20PM

The rumors for this product are all over the road. The same management team that has applied "huge pressure to ship" is now thinking a 1-2 month delay is going to help in some vague blah blah economic downturn blah way? And it should be obvious that standard glasses would only be capable of AR and not VR. VR requires a closed headset so it's not remotely believable that the design team would want to wait to make glasses for VR. Or has the tech press been completely wrong to use the term "VR" over and over while referring to this product? Maybe Apple has never intended to do VR at all?

edited March 2023

dewme · March 30, 2023 2:16PM

Maybe Apple will throw in a free Apple Sea Hunt VR headset with every Apple Car purchase? It will undoubtedly be rechargeable via the integrated Air Power charging pad inside my Apple Car that looks like a Teletubbies transporter, equipped with a full dashboard version of Apple CarPlay.

It will all be controllable via the new Siri Chat AI that actually drives the car for me while my legless avatar blissfully wanders and swims around in the virtual Habitrail created by the VR mask, free from the worries of traffic delays and road rage happening outside of my own little cyber cocoon. The Apple Feeding Tube Pro and liquid sustenance tank, refillable at supporting drive thru restaurants with an Apple Two subscription, is optional.

“Hey Siri, let’s swing through McDonald’s for a quarter pounder with cheese with French fries and strawberry shake smoothy.” Yum. Super size it! Can’t wait to stretch my Apple Card limit to see this beautiful vision become my new augmented/altered reality.

mac_dog · March 30, 2023 2:46PM

dewme said:

Maybe…

pulseimages · March 30, 2023 4:29PM

I’d rather see Apple release a practical application like the Apple Car compared to a VR Headset.

lkrupp · March 30, 2023 4:41PM

Remember, this is all rumor. And rumormongers have to invent theories as to why their rumors won't happen too. We don't really know if this product even exists. Analysts like Kuo have willed it into existence. All we have are renders from wishful thinkers, and alleged leaks from questionable sources. To those of us who have been Apple watchers for decades this product seems out of character.

palegolas · March 30, 2023 5:17PM

twolf2919 said:

"It's expected that Apple's first headset will be reminiscent of skiing goggles, in overall shape and perhaps size." - if it is expected to look that way, it's only because every single rumor article over the last 2 years - whether it's about an upcoming AR or VR headset - has an accompanying render of such skiing goggles. A render that wasn't even a leak from anywhere - just someone's imagination.

Yeah, and that most frequent concept render doesn't even accommodate space for the nose, which has been annoying me for years 😅

waveparticle · March 30, 2023 5:41PM

It is obviously a privacy intrusion device. Therefore it is worn on purpose. Who will wear it? Maybe the law enforcement. But not all police should wear it on duty.

stevenoz · March 30, 2023 6:29PM

I hope Apple buries this device.

mobird · March 30, 2023 8:31PM

Apple could reduce the MSRP on it's entire product line in a meaningful way with the funds that most likely has gone into this project...

macxpress · March 30, 2023 8:40PM

I'm convinced that these people like Ming don't have a clue. They're just throwing shit at the wall to see if it sticks and claim victory when it happens to stick.

mattinoz · March 30, 2023 9:35PM

Make sense that a Content Creator Preview will be WWDC with a similar lease agreement to developer preview hardware.

Then they can save full release after Tech shake down next year with maybe the other M3 Max die products.

urahara · March 30, 2023 9:59PM

pulseimages said:

I’d rather see Apple release a practical application like the Apple Car compared to a VR Headset.

Probably 1984 wasn’t that practical year…

xed · March 31, 2023 1:50AM

mobird said:

Apple could reduce the MSRP on it's entire product line in a meaningful way with the funds that most likely has gone into this project...

I'd like to see the maths on that.

9secondkox2 · March 31, 2023 3:10AM

mobird said:

Apple could reduce the MSRP on it's entire product line in a meaningful way with the funds that most likely has gone into this project...

Not sure how far the R&D money goes when applied to so many products sold, but you’re onto something.

Apple was expected to actually LOWER prices with the advent of Apple Silicon. Instead, they have skyrocketed with exception of the SSD-handicapped Mac mini.

mikethemartian · March 31, 2023 3:49AM

macxpress said:

I'm convinced that these people like Ming don't have a clue. They're just throwing shit at the wall to see if it sticks and claim victory when it happens to stick.

It’s like business shows that give out stock market advice. If they really knew where stocks were heading they wouldn’t give out that information for free.

bestkeptsecret · March 31, 2023 4:19AM

Ming must be in peak physical condition with all the walking back that he does.

9secondkox2 · March 31, 2023 6:19AM

People just aren’t into headsets. It’s fun for a bit with a new video game (also nausea-inducing), but nobody wants to spend iPhone or Mac money for one.

It’s doesn’t really offer anything other than novelty.

If Apple partnered with Oakley or something and made a nice looking pair of sunglasses that offered mixed reality, that’s a different story. The scuba gear? Never going to sell. The ski goggles? A bit better but still lame. Shades? That’s something that most everyone buys - many even paying a good amount for a premium pair. If Apple could get the tech to work in thst form factor…that would be something.

But the concept as a whole will never be “an iPhone moment.”

That’s a once in many generations type of thing.

edited March 2023

flydog · March 31, 2023 10:27AM

9secondkox2 said:

mobird said:

Apple could reduce the MSRP on it's entire product line in a meaningful way with the funds that most likely has gone into this project...

Not sure how far the R&D money goes when applied to so many products sold, but you’re onto something.

Apple was expected to actually LOWER prices with the advent of Apple Silicon. Instead, they have skyrocketed with exception of the SSD-handicapped Mac mini.

No one expected or was promised “lower prices.” Total BS.

muthuk_vanalingam · March 31, 2023 11:37AM

flydog said:

9secondkox2 said:

mobird said:

Apple could reduce the MSRP on it's entire product line in a meaningful way with the funds that most likely has gone into this project...

Not sure how far the R&D money goes when applied to so many products sold, but you’re onto something.

Apple was expected to actually LOWER prices with the advent of Apple Silicon. Instead, they have skyrocketed with exception of the SSD-handicapped Mac mini.

No one expected or was promised “lower prices.” Total BS.

No one was promised - TRUE. Expected - May be, you were not paying attention to the forum posts. But there were few people who claimed "Apple would be able to avoid the Intel Tax" and pass on those savings to Apple's customers. Many were sceptical of this argument and were proven right.

Apple AR headset debut at WWDC in doubt

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