Apple’s long-in-the-works VR / AR headset may not launch until 2023

The image is by Alex Castro.

There have been rumors about Apple releasing a virtual reality headset. The company may not release its first mixed reality headset until at least 2023, according to a report.

Development challenges related to overheating, cameras and software have made it harder for Apple to stay on track with its headset. The headset may be revealed at the end of the year, or even later, with it going on sale in 2023. According to reports, Apple wanted to announce the device in 2021 and ship it in 2022.

Apple did not reply to the request for comment.

The first headset is expected to cost over $2,000. It will have at least one processor that is on par with the new M1 Pro chip that is available with the refreshed MacBook Pros. The device will have two chips, one being M1adjacent, according to analyst Ming-chi Kuo. The headset will have two 4K OLED micro displays, 3D sensors for hand tracking, and other advanced components, all of which could be contributing to the rumored high price.

Apple is still working on a set of augmented reality glasses. The company plans to introduce them later this decade.