Apple has reportedly been working on new devices with augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) capabilities for a long time. But it remains unclear when these products will be officially announced. While some analysts expected Apple's mixed reality headset to be released in late 2022, analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities believes the product could be delayed until 2023.
In a new letter to investors, Pu mentions that Apple's new headset may not launch until the first quarter of 2023. The analyst also believes that Apple will sell between 1 million and 1.5 million units of its new headset in the first year. The report also mentions that the self-developed chip will be one of the key differentiators of Apple's mixed reality headset from its competitors. The device is expected to feature more than 10 sensors (including cameras), which is expected to benefit Sony, Will Semi, Sunny Optical and other suppliers. Earlier this year, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple's new headset will launch in late 2022 with limited shipments.
Apple's mixed reality headset could cost around $3,000
Recently, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman claimed that the headset's launch for WWDC 2022 in June is "out of the question" but that it will be unveiled sometime between fall 2022 and summer 2023. One possibility is that Apple will unveil the device later this year and sales will begin in early 2023, similar to what the Pursue has done in the past with products like the Apple Watch and HomePod. According to previous rumors, the Apple AR/VR headset will feature an "innovative three-display configuration" that combines two Micro-OLED displays and an AMOLED panel, as well as advanced sensors for ambient and gesture recognition. The design will take cues from the AirPods Max and Apple Watch. As for the price, the product could cost around $3,000. (Photo by Andrey Suslov / Bigstockphoto)