Apple’s long-rumored mixed-reality AR/VR headset is rumored to come later than originally expected in Q2 2023, according to respected industry analysts Ming-Chi Kuo, who says he expects Apple to hold a special event in January 2023 to unveil the wearable, with the device releasing to the public before next year’s WWDC23.
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Kuo said “I believe Apple’s AR/MR headset shipping date will postpone to 2Q23 (vs. 1Q23 of market consensus) because Shanghai lockdown interrupts the development. As expected, there were no clues for AR/MR headset at WWDC 2022.”
The analyst went on to share his predicted roadmap for the AR/VR headset, saying engineering validation testing (also known as EVT) will likely begin in the coming months ahead of a media event in January 2023, and delivery of development toolkits within 2-4 weeks after the event.
(2/2)
1. EVT starting from 3Q22.
2. Media event on Jan 2023.
3. Delivery of development toolkit within 2-4 weeks after the event.
4. Starting pre-order in 2Q23.
5. Hitting store shelves before WWDC 2023.— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) June 7, 2022
The rumored device will reportedly feature two ultra-high-resolution 8K displays with a “bevy” of other features, including advanced eye-tracking technology and the ability to pass video of the real world through the visor and display it to the user, offering a “mixed-reality effect.” It will mark Apple’s first major new product launch since the original Apple Watch in October 2014.
Last year we saw The Information publish a sketch of the upcoming headset, claiming to have seen secret internal imagery from an unnamed source “with direct knowledge” of the development, reporting that the device will offer a “sleek, curved visor attached to the face by a mesh material and swappable headbands.”
Image: Ian Zelbo
Concept creator Ian Zelbo has released visuals showing what Apple’s new headset will probably look like based on earlier leaked information, featuring an Apple Watch-style adjustable headband and AirPods Max reminiscent mesh cushion for comfort around the wearer’s eyes.
Image: Ian Zelbo
