With less than two hours to go until Apple is expected to unveil its long-rumored mixed-reality headset, respected TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said that mass shipments of the upcoming device are now expected to begin in late 4Q23 or early 2024 (vs. 3Q23 previously).
If true, Kuo’s insight could mean that despite being announced today, Apple’s new mixed-reality headset may not be available to purchase until early 2024, which is later than previously expected.
Kuo says “shipments in 2023 are likely to be lower than the market consensus. However, the focus for investors now is not on shipments but on whether the new product announcement will convince people that Apple’s AR/MR headset device is the next star in consumer electronics.”
Apple’s AR/VR headset has long been rumored, with it understood that the device will feature an “unconventional curved design” made of a thin piece of curved glass.
In 2021 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.”
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