Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst, said that Apple might not start production of its AR/VR headset before the fourth quarter 2022. This was according to a note sent to investors today. This would mean that the device could launch in late 2022 or early 2023.
Apple would like to launch the headset before it launches. Kuo says that Apple may be looking to delay mass production until the end of 2022, in order to create a complete ecosystem and software.
Kuo believes that Apple offers the best industrial design solutions for AR/VR headsets due to the complexity of the headset and the need for a snug fit. Kuo believes Apple faces more design challenges because it wants to do AR/VR software beyond gaming.
Because the AR/MR HMD is so comfortable, it requires more industrial design requirements than smartphones. We believe Apple is still testing the most innovative industrial design solutions. The software, ecosystem, as well as the service are the key to the HMD's success. We believe that Apple is positioning its HMD for various applications, not just gaming applications, so the challenge of building software/ecosystem/services is significantly higher than current products/competitors.
Kuo believes that head mounted displays will be the "next wave in user interface revolution", much like multi-touch on an iPhone. Apple will be able change the market consensus about AR/VR devices being primarily for gaming. The company is "the most capable of developing, promoting and marketing diverse applications."
Kuo had previously stated that the AR/VR headset would be launched in the second quarter 2022. Before that, he believed it would be released sometime in 2021.
Rumours claim that Apple's AR/VR headset for Apple will look similar to the Oculus Quest. However, it will have a more modern design and use lightweight fabrics and fabrics for a more comfortable fit.
Rumours suggest that the headset will have two 8K high-resolution displays, which may be micro-OLED, as well as a host of cameras for head detection, eye detection, and other augmented realities functions. The headset will be dependent on the iPhone. Apple is believed to be testing multiple input methods.
Apple is also developing a line of smart glasses. However, the smart glasses will launch after the headset. This headset will be Apple's first head-mounted AR/VR device. You can find more information in our AR/VR roundup.
