According to various rumors, Apple is working on a headset that will have AR and VR capabilities. Pure augmented reality glasses are also said to be in the works. Now there are reports that there will be delays.
For years, we have been hearing reports that Apple is working on an AR/VR headset and pure augmented reality glasses. The augmented reality glasses are supposed to look like normal glasses. However, they have lenses with built-in displays that support gesture control. The current prototype is said to resemble high-end sunglasses with a thick frame that houses the battery and chips. According to a report from DigiTimes in January, Apple was about to enter the second phase of development of the glasses, with a focus on improving the device's weight and battery life, suggesting that the glasses could go into mass production as early as the first quarter of 2022. A new report However, the Taiwanese publication claims that P2 testing has not started yet, so the chance of mass production in the first quarter of 2022 is now unlikely.
Apple Glasses & AR/VR headset: Rumors often cause confusion
The sources pointed out that after P2, the AR glasses prototype may still need to go through P3 testing, followed by another 2-3 phases of engineering testing before it has a chance to enter mass production. The supply chain initially estimated that the Apple wearable could enter mass production as early as Q1 2022, the sources said. But since P2 testing has not started yet, the chance of mass production in Q1 2022 is rather unlikely, the sources added.
Bloomberg stated in January that the glasses were several years away from being launched. Originally, however, a debut in 2023 was planned. But there were two other time periods that were mentioned. While DigiTimes originally suggested 2021, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is guessing 2022 - but he emphasized that this is about the AR/VR headset. Since the rumors often contradict each other and in some cases do not specify the exact product, confusion often arises. But the general consensus is that Apple is developing at least two AR products. One project includes a headset that combines virtual and augmented reality. The second product, however, is said to be pure augmented reality glasses. If the reports are to be believed, the headset will be presented before the glasses. (Photo by World Image / Bigstockphoto)