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Apple Mixed-Reality Headset on Schedule for Early 2023, Lighter Second-Gen Version With Call Capabilities Coming in 2024

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Apple's rumored mixed-reality headset is on schedule to launch in early 2023, but a second-generation model with substantial upgrades is already in development for 2024, ETNews reports.

apple-ar-headset-concept-2.jpeg
Concept render based on purported leaked information by Ian Zelbo​

Suppliers are reportedly preparing to kick off mass production for Apple's headset in the fourth quarter of this year ahead of the product's launch early next year, but initial production volume is not expected to be large.

In line with previous reports, Apple's headset is said to feature a micro-OLED display supplied by Sony and LG Display that boasts a thin design and power-efficiency, three 3D-sensing modules from LG Innotek, and a mid- to low-specification camera from a supplier in China.

The headset will focus on entertainment and games, but will effectively serve as a testing device to prepare the market for a better, second-generation product, which the report claims is already in development. The second-generation Apple headset is said to be scheduled to release in 2024 and will tout a lighter design, the ability to make calls, and ultra high-definition cameras from LG Innotek.

Apple purportedly plans to differentiate its augmented-reality and virtual-reality devices from other companies like Meta, Sony, and Google with better usability, content, and portability. Samsung is expected to release a competing device after observing Apple's headset launch and its impact on the market.

Article Link: Apple Mixed-Reality Headset on Schedule for Early 2023, Lighter Second-Gen Version With Call Capabilities Coming in 2024
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/07/14/mixed-reality-headset-on-schedule-for-early-2023/
Games eh?

Where is the market for an apple vr/ar headset?

Will they have Minecraft at launch? The device needs a killer AR game. Something like a _real_ version of what Microsoft hinted at in their E3 'demo'
 
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Guessing the AR glasses which is what the real future would look like. Sounds like this is just for gaming for most part.
 
It's hard to imagine that Apple would ship a radically different AR product just a year after the reveal of this first headset. It's too short a timespan to gain valuable insights from the first iteration, isn't it? And it's not iterative at all, which is otherwise a hallmark of Apple development. They must be for very different purposes all together. Perhaps as different as a watch and a phone is to each other.
 
The only VR headset I may consider is the Sony VR2 For my PS5. The specs sound insane but I am waiting for VR2 game support.
 
juanm said:
If it's well done, this could be great for the few CAD solutions available for Mac.
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That’s a good idea but could there be additional use cases for the more mainstream masses as well?
 
it's really just a wearable (3D) monitor. Imagine you could hallucinate at will; that's the ceiling for use cases.
 
calstanford said:
Honestly. Who wants this?
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That exact model? Not many, I imagine. What the future might hold? Very many, which is why they are pursuing the technology. Augmented Reality has the potential to replace every other screen in the world by its very nature, and none of the “Big Tech” companies want to risk someone else getting there while they themselves are unprepared. It’s a little weird, but also the main gist of why competition is good. The fear that that someone else creates a better product causes them to try to make it themselves.
 
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DelayedGratificationGene said:
You would have to surmise that a decade of capital expenditures by the greatest innovator company in history is going to produce a game changing product. We’ve seen this exact play with the iPhone.
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Although all those many moons ago I was really excited for the as-yet unannounced iPhone. With this there's no way I can remotely justify this kinda money as just a gaming/toy/novelty add-on that's the larger part of the cost as my used-all-the-time-for-everything MBP.

I figured the iPhone would probably revolutionise mobile internet and make my phone a good iPod too. I was correct, it has. I await the as-yet inconceiveable game-changing benefits of this over any opther AR/VR headset.

Computer = used all the time = I can justify an infrequent big spend.
Smart phone = used all the time = I can justify an infrequent big spend.
AR/VR headset = used ???? not much? = can't really justify at all unless very cheap for the quality.

Justifying spending to an Apple exec may make them think everyone has $3k about for something as long as it's quality. Hence it'll no doubt be outstanding. Bu that doesn't mean there's a huge market for it as there was for iPhone. Sometimes they seem to prove they don't live in the real world where everyone isn't loaded with money and lives *only* within the Apple ecosystem.

Although let's be realistic here: gimme about 6 more years and I might well justify the series 4 version at a knock-down price. But still, I'm not that big a gamer, so I await it getting through a small volume market for rich people stage until it's come down to what I could justify for such a thing. It took me about 8 years to get an iPad as it didn't do much more than I already could so was a "luxury". I also wish I'd bought the cheapest model or the air, not the most expensive pro, because it really isn't *that* useful compared to my Mac or iPhone. Same applies here.
 
Silarkar said:
That exact model? Not many, I imagine. What the future might hold? Very many, which is why they are pursuing the technology. Augmented Reality has the potential to replace every other screen in the world by its very nature, and none of the “Big Tech” companies want to risk someone else getting there while they themselves are unprepared. It’s a little weird, but also the main gist of why competition is good. The fear that that someone else creates a better product causes them to try to make it themselves.
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The reason why that’s unlikely to happen any time soon is because of having to have something physically on your face for long periods of time. People are generally not going to want to do that. A wrist or other body part is different to a face. Once the form factor becomes smaller to fit into regular glasses then mass adoption will be more likely.
 
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I’m cautious with skepticism. There have been so many products that people have dismissed that have become integral to our lives. Maybe this is the next one.

Apple do have a decent track record with hardware.
 
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This is seeming more like the original big screen Apple TV that never came, or the Apple Car. Maybe even AirPower should’ve remained a mystery, but at least we saw it on stage.
 
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