Apple Reportedly Axes Mixed-Reality Headset's Exclusive Manufacturing Partner

[MacRumors]

Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Pegatron, which was believed to be the exclusive partner for assembly of Apple's mixed-reality headset, has been removed from the device's supply chain, DigiTimes reports.

Apple headset concept render by Marcus Kane.​

The paywalled report explains that Apple requested Pegatron to hand over manufacturing and final assembly operations to Chinese supplier Luxshare. This process apparently finished in March. DigiTimes suggests that the change may be related to Pegatron moving some of its production capacity from China to other regions, which includes selling its factory in Shanghai to Luxshare.

Pegatron designed the production process for the headset that has now been handed-off to Luxshare, but the company may not see the loss negatively since manufacturing for Apple requires large volume to maintain profit margins. Since Apple's headset is expected to be manufactured in low volume as both the software and hardware have yet to mature and it is an unproven market, it may be initially unprofitable for suppliers, who have pinned their hopes on the long-term potential of headset devices.

Luxshare's takeover marks the first time a Chinese company will be solely responsible for the manufacture and assembly of a new Apple product at launch. To date, Apple device manufacturing has first been developed and undertaken by companies in Taiwan before gradually handing off to Chinese firms.

Luxshare already manufactures AirPods for Apple, alongside several iPhone and Apple Watch models. In the future, the company is also expected to help supply the iPhone 15 Pro Max, upcoming MacBooks, and even Apple's long-rumored electric vehicle.

Article Link: Apple Reportedly Axes Mixed-Reality Headset's Exclusive Manufacturing Partner

 

[madmin]

We are so excited to announce our new product the iSpy headset

 

[Ion-X]

Between manufacturing problems, the $3000 price tag, and the lifelong virginity that wearing this would incur, I think I’ll pass!

 

[nt5672]

There has to be more to this story. This is simply too much risk for the risk averse Cook.

 

[daanodinot]

Well, that’s awkward.

 

[madmin]

Between manufacturing problems, the $3000 price tag, and the lifelong virginity that wearing this would incur, I think I’ll pass!

It's a bit late for that... and that

 

[vertsix]

I got a little excited by reading "Apple Reportedly Axes Mixed-Reality Headset"

I was like, wow, sounds like Apple will be back to being more focused again without nonsense products.

Then, I kept reading...

 

[PowerMacBook]

I know the same was said before the iPod and even the iPhone, but in this case I really wonder what the heck who is going to walk around with a head set?

 

[Realityck]

Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Pegatron, which was believed to be the exclusive partner for assembly of Apple's mixed-reality headset, has been removed from the device's supply chain, DigiTimes reports

The paywalled report explains that Apple requested Pegatron to hand over manufacturing and final assembly operations to Chinese supplier Luxshare. This process apparently finished in March. DigiTimes suggests that the change may be related to Pegatron moving some of its production capacity from China to other regions, which includes selling its factory in Shanghai to Luxshare.

Sounds like a manufacturing partner that became a hindrance. It happens. Also sounds like they nailed down what manufacturing processes would be utilized if they start up this production. Also another vague basis for more headset rumors.

 

[floral]

If the new manufacturer already makes some of Apple's current products, mainly the high-end ones... maybe we can expect more quality...?

 

[vannibombonato]

I know the same was said before the iPod and even the iPhone, but in this case I really wonder what the heck who is going to walk around with a head set?

anything that we put on our faces won’t go mainstream in public use until it becomes almost invisible, and I think we are 10+ years before we get even remotely close to a tech allowing for that.

in private or working environments is a different story, but still far far away from mass adoption.

this is hardware wise, software wise I still have to see even the concept of a mass appealing use case.

 

[testcard]

For once, I won’t be an early adopter.

 

[d5aqoëp]

News after few days: Apple's Mixed Reality headset has been cancelled. Apple to concentrate it's efforts on improving their core products like iOS.

 

[ThunderSkunk]

what the heck who is going to walk around with a head set?

When ai makes every frame of whatever you’re looking at look like this, I will.

I want to walk around in that world more than I care about how I look in this one.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

That render looks like my AirPods Max case. This whole time I had the headset and didn't know it

 

[pup]

This headset is Tim Cook’s Copeland.

 

[robbietop]

but the company may not see the loss negatively since manufacturing for Apple requires large volume to maintain profit margins. Since Apple's headset is expected to be manufactured in low volume as both the software and hardware have yet to mature and it is an unproven market, it may be initially unprofitable for suppliers, who have pinned their hopes on the long-term potential of headset devices.

My usual comments on the viability of the AR/VR market apply, and now manufacturers are expressing their concerns....

But again, please tell me how it's gonna be the next iPhone

 

[Jensend]

I want to see this concept model rendered on a 3D head model.
It makes no sense to me. How does mesh protruding 1cm from a 1cm thick aluminum device provide padding for a variety of face shapes?

 

[Pecka]

Can it have anything to do with Chinas military exercises around Taiwan?

 

[vegetassj4]

Pegatron? I guess they will now use Optimum Premium.

 

[MBX]

The Metaverse is dead.

Maybe this will just be overpriced sleeping goggles.

 

[oofio2461]

This means a delay or shortage, then?

 

[Leon Ze Professional]

When ai makes every frame of whatever you’re looking at look like this, I will.

I want to walk around in that world more than I care about how I look in this one.

Ahhh the true Floyd masterpiece and to me one of the best lyrics written:

"Overhead the albatross
Hangs motionless upon the air
And deep beneath the rolling waves
In labyrinths of coral caves
The echo of a distant time
Comes willowing across the sand
And everything is green and submarine

And no one called us to the land
And no one knows the where's or why's
Something stirs and something tries
And starts to climb towards the light

Strangers passing in the street
By chance two separate glances meet
And I am you and what I see is me
And do I take you by the hand
And lead you through the land
And help me understand
The best I can

And no one calls us to move on
And no one forces down our eyes
No one speaks and no one tries
No one flies around the sun

Cloudless everyday you fall
Upon my waking eyes
Inviting and inciting me to rise
And through the window in the wall
Come streaming in on sunlight wings
A million bright ambassadors of morning

And no one sings me lullabies
And no one makes me close my eyes
So I throw the windows wide
And call to you across the sky"

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Would be better if Apple just cancels this whole AR/VR headset, please.

 

[CarAnalogy]

Between manufacturing problems, the $3000 price tag, and the lifelong virginity that wearing this would incur, I think I’ll pass!

If you’re still a virgin by the time you can afford a $3000 headset, the headset ain’t the problem.