Apple Rumored to Announce 'Game-Changer' AR/VR Headset in January 2023

[MacRumors]

Apple is "likely" to announce its long-rumored mixed-reality headset as soon as January 2023, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reiterated.

Concept render based on purported leaked information by Ian Zelbo​

In a detailed post on Medium, Kuo explained that Apple's headset will be a "game-changer" for the augmented-reality and virtual-reality market. Describing some of the headset's functionality, Kuo said that while Apple has repeatedly touted its focus on AR, the headset will "offer an excellent immersive experience" and a "video see-thru" mode. The headset is expected to boost demand for immersive gaming and multimedia entertainment experiences.

Kuo said that the device is "the most complicated product Apple has ever designed," leading Apple to use components from many of its existing suppliers. Kuo also believes that Apple will be an industry leader in the headset space, has "significant competitive advantages," and does not need to join the Metaverse Standards Forum. Notably, Kuo thinks that rivals will race to imitate Apple's headset once it launches, "leading the headset hardware industry to the next stage of rapid growth."

While Apple's headset was widely believed to be scheduled to launch this year, a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman cast doubt on the chances of the device emerging this year due to development problems. According to DigiTimes, Apple in February 2022 completed key production tests on the headset and reportedly plans to begin mass production around August or September. Kuo's prediction of an announcement in January 2023 therefore appears to be broadly in line with other rumors about when the device could emerge.

Regardless of the exact timing, Apple's headset project is believed to be "approaching liftoff," with the device mirroring the development timeline of the Apple Watch in the period before its launch. Apple's work on the headset's operating system, "realityOS," has been rumored since 2017, but the existence of the operating system was confirmed when references to it were found in App Store upload logs and Apple open source code.

The headset is rumored to feature a lightweight design, two 4K micro-OLED displays, 15 optical modules, two main processors, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, eye tracking, object tracking, and hand gesture controls, and more. The device's approximate price point is as yet unclear, but some reports indicate that it could cost around $3,000.


Update: This article has been edited to reflect an edit made to Kuo's Medium article. It previously said that Apple's headset would "likely be released" in January 2023, but this has since been revised to "likely be announced."

Article Link: Apple Rumored to Announce 'Game-Changer' AR/VR Headset in January 2023

 

[swingerofbirch]

Just in time to return that Christmas scarf and exchange it for what you really wanted.

 

[amarcus]

Announced in January and released in June anyone?

 

[t0rqx]

Announced in January and released in June anyone?

Or they release it with the BETA stamp so nobody can complain. Hope it is not rushed.

 

[LittleChief]

I know there are a lot of naysayers for this product but this is a potential iPhone moment. A see it to believe it product. Apple's big product intros tend to be 10 years in the making. The concept has been around for a long time but nobody has done it quite right. The weight of the headset, the miniaturisation of optical components, Apple's processor advances, software and tools development via iOS and so many factors play in to this having transformative potential.

If you can take yourself inside a virtual studio/world with Mac-like capabilities, retina-like resolution and can communicate and collaborate 'face to face' whilst still maintaining a safe tether to your physical environment so they can feel connected as one and the same (and with M1/M2 style efficiency) then we're on to something!

 

[DBZmusicboy01]

prom videos will maybe look super amazing I can’t imagine and also other things like Grand Theft Auto 6.

 

[44267547]

Hope it is not rushed.

Nothing implies that it was rushed.

I can only imagine the amount of R&D that was invested into this product, not just to make sure that it was manufactured properly, but that that technology itself/software is mature enough in delivering an experience no one is expecting.

 

[Sir Ruben]

But, what (and who) is it for exactly?

 

[MayaUser]

to Launch?? that means the presentation will be around 6 months earlier​

the iphone, the apple watch , the ipad all new device category were announced 6 months before launch
So this must be a mistake....digitimes and this kuo account are a joke

 

[MayaUser]

Announced in January and released in June anyone?

its saying release/launch ! so its clear just a guess like all lately Kuo predictions are

 

[lostPod]

prom videos will maybe look super amazing I can’t imagine and also other things like Grand Theft Auto 6.

Prom lol

 

[djcerla]

It really looks like a very slow game of chess. They have been developing tech (see: LIDARs, AR, SOCs) sometimes with modest short term gains, and everything looks like converging now into a grandmaster checkmate.

As always, the first iterations will be a laughing stock for pundits, but I fully expect Apple to redefine the technology landscape once more with this.

 

[rodedwards]

Did you accidentally type another $0 on the end of $300 ?!!! $3,000 really is way too expensive for consumer markets.

 

[Jason2000]

Ouch...$3000 ?? Think I will stick with my Quest 2 for now unless Apple can somehow convince me that I need this. Of course I buy a new iPhone every single year for no real reason other than I just want it so there is that.

 

[Jakewilk]

It’ll probably be like the apple watch was for me—initially a disappointment, but in a few years time a seriously cool piece of tech. Like the apple watch though, I don’t envision myself ever ‘needing’ it. The apple watch remains a fun-but-unnecessary accessory for me.

 

[ducknalddon]

I know there are a lot of naysayers for this product but ...

I must admit I'm on the sceptical side on this. Mainly because I've been watching demonstrations for most of my adult life and although the technology is improving with each iteration I've yet to see any evidence it ever be anything more than a fringe market.

Having said that I was also sceptical about the watch so I may well be wrong.

 

[antiprotest]

Also, tech sites often say "launch" when it's just announced for 6-9 months later.

Hover cars launching...today, and you will get it 60 years later.

 

[Leon Ze Professional]

I can hear Craig Federighi saying: Just look at how beautiful these goggles are. We just can't wait to see this sitting on your face.

 

[nfl46]

I can’t afford it but it would be nice to test out in an Apple Store, though.

 

[Useless Touchbar]

Apple is the only company who could, yet again, revolutionize mobile tech industry. If Apple doesn't do it, then Samsung and Huawei and co. will be releasing same old smartphones with slightly better screens and cameras for the next 100 years. They don't have what it takes to revolutionize entire industries as big as this. But does Apple have it anymore, either?

Will be curious to see what this thing actually looks like. I can't see people wanting to wear skiing goggles like that no matter how advanced tech it has.

 

[jonnysods]

Would be interesting to use it as a computer and a huge display that you can look around and use. I have 5 monitors for work, I could just place my apps where I want and still use a mouse and keyboard for work. Then get out of that environment for other things like entertainment etc.

I wonder if it will Steam compatible...

 

[SilenceBroken]

Will that be the first version or second version?

 

[Naraxus]

This dude is approaching Jon Prosser-level of "accuracy". He makes a "prediction" and then, inevitably, a couple months later issues "revised guidance" peppered with an excuse or two as to why he was wrong in the first place.

I've seen blindfolded people throwing darts with more accuracy.....

 

[alpi123]

Ouch...$3000 ?? Think I will stick with my Quest 2 for now unless Apple can somehow convince me that I need this. Of course I buy a new iPhone every single year for no real reason other than I just want it so there is that.

1. The specs of the Quest 2 compared to the Apple's headset look like a complete joke... not to mention the software integration that Apple will have
2. Quest 2 is from Facebook. It requires a Facebook account.

 

[the future]

I know there are a lot of naysayers for this product but this is a potential iPhone moment.

But, what (and who) is it for exactly?

I oscillate (wildly) between these two points of view myself. I‘m very, very curious how this will be presented.