Apple's Rumored $3,000+ AR/VR Headset Said to Enter Mass Production in August-September

[MacRumors]

Apple's first AR/VR headset will enter mass production this fall with a launch taking place before the end of the year, according to industry sources cited today in a report from DigiTimes.

Concept render based on purported leaked information by Ian Zelbo​

Yesterday, DigiTimes previewed a report stating that Apple's headset has completed production tests, and now, in the full report published today, the publication said the headset would enter mass production in August-September. According to the report, with production taking place in the fall, Apple is still aiming to launch this year.

Apple's first AR headset, mainly targeting professional vertical market applications, is expected to undergo EVT3 soon and enter volume production in August-September before hitting the market by the end of the year, the sources said.

Recent reporting by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman highlighting development issues with the headset has cast doubt on a 2022 launch, suggesting a launch in 2023 may be more likely. Apple is planning to launch a second version of its AR/VR headset in 2023 that's lighter, features an improved battery, and is priced more affordably, according to DigiTimes.

Apple is currently working on two different AR/VR products. The first is an AR/VR headset worn over the eyes, similar to the Oculus Quest. That headset is said to be a niche product aimed at developers and high-end professionals, as evidenced by rumors it may cost upwards of $3,000. The second product in the works are "Apple Glasses," which will come in the form of traditional eyeglasses and represent Apple's ultimate near-term goal in the augmented reality space.

Article Link: Apple's Rumored $3,000+ AR/VR Headset Said to Enter Mass Production in August-September

 

[LeeW]

At $3k each, I doubt 'mass production' is that accurate.

 

[BWhaler]

Is anyone seriously going to buy these at $2K outside of super wealthy hobbiest? No developers will invest for a market that small.

my guess is rumor mill is way off base on this. Apple isn’t that stupid.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

At $2k each, I doubt 'mass production' is that accurate.

Mass production more or less refers to automation, so it is accurate. Just not in the same quantities as other Apple products.

 

[WiiDSmoker]

Remember when everyone thought the original iPad was gonna be $1K+?

 

[Thebrochure]

Better start donating those bodily fluids now people!

 

[Kierkegaarden]

I can’t think of another Apple product that was released only to “developers and high end professionals”. This would be a completely different strategy for them, so I don’t really buy it. Regardless, I think WWDC will give us a taste of what is to come. Exciting. I’m expecting this to be the first live Apple event since 2019 — incredible how time flies.

WWDC 2022!

 

[MandiMac]

Remember when everyone thought the original iPad was gonna be $1K+?

That's exactly what I came here for to say. And then, bam, 499 it was.

 

[MandiMac]

I can’t think of another Apple product that was released only to “developers and high end professionals”. This would be a completely different strategy for them, so I don’t really buy it. Regardless, I think WWDC will give us a taste of what is to come. Exciting. I’m expecting this to be the first live Apple event since 2019 — incredible how time flies.

WWDC 2022!

It won't be yet in person IMHO.

 

[alpi123]

I can’t think of another Apple product that was released only to “developers and high end professionals”. This would be a completely different strategy for them, so I don’t really buy it. Regardless, I think WWDC will give us a taste of what is to come. Exciting. I’m expecting this to be the first live Apple event since 2019 — incredible how time flies.

WWDC 2022!

As much as I'm hoping for Apple to start doing live events again, it doesn't look like they're ready for that yet. The chances of WWDC being virtual again are bigger.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I can’t think of another Apple product that was released only to “developers and high end professionals”. This would be a completely different strategy for them, so I don’t really buy it. Regardless, I think WWDC will give us a taste of what is to come. Exciting. I’m expecting this to be the first live Apple event since 2019 — incredible how time flies.

WWDC 2022!

As much as I'm hoping for Apple to start doing live events again, it doesn't look like they're ready for that yet. The chances of WWDC being virtual again are bigger.

Chances are looking to be very slim for WWDC 2022 being held in person. I think the Fall Apple event in September will be held in person. Hopefully, During this event, Apple will show off this AR/VR headset. One More Thing… could be up in the air. 🤞🏻

 

[laptech]

Mass production more or less refers to automation, so it is accurate. Just not in the same quantities as other Apple products.

Actually 'production' would be more accurate than 'mass production' because mass production usually implies production figures upwords of hundreds of thousands plus more. I highly doubt at the suggested price Apple is going to produced that many sets.

 

[laptech]

Remember when everyone thought the original iPad was gonna be $1K+?

I have no doubt it would have been had it not been for the obvious alarm from the buying public bulking at the expected price which resulted in Apple dropping the price.

 

[Le0M]

Three things:

1) I hope it gets launched at WWDC in June, to allow devs be ready when it comes out.
2) I really doubt it's going to cost that much. In fact, I think that's been an Apple marketing strategy all along.
3) If it does cost more than $2000, then it's because it can really deliver a mind blowing experience.

 

[winxmac]

The photo caption made it sound like Ian Zelbo was the leaker...

 

[Kierkegaarden]

Chances are looking to be very slim for WWDC 2022 being held in person. I think the Fall Apple event in September will be held in person. Hopefully, During this event, Apple will show off this AR/VR headset. One More Thing… could be up in the air. 🤞🏻

Yeah, you’re probably right. I think the press-only events can all be live going forward though. But I still think we’ll still get a taste of the rOS software at WWDC.

 

[MayaUser]

If mass production is going in August, then this device should be presented at WWDC...Apple always presented a new device category with 6 months before the device hit the customers

 

[DFZD]

Read as -

“Apple’s Dead on Arrival Hobby Project gets ready for unapologetic failure at launch”

 

[MayaUser]

Three things:

1) I hope it gets launched at WWDC in June, to allow devs be ready when it comes out.
2) I really doubt it's going to cost that much. In fact, I think that's been an Apple marketing strategy all along.
3) If it does cost more than $2000, then it's because it can really deliver a mind blowing experience.

dont know about VR headset, but the AR glasses must be around or beyond $2000 since it needs the SoC, and the double 8k vision for the eyes

 

[laptech]

Three things:


3) If it does cost more than $2000, then it's because it can really deliver a mind blowing experience.

Well in another MR thread on the subject it says the unit is going to be fitted with two 4k resolution mini lcd screens. Now, if Apple is not planning to use it for playing games, why on earth would they use 4k resolution mini screens? because with that much resolution, Apple must have something spectacular in mind

 

[Schizoid]

Can’t wait to wear my VR goggles whilst jiggling to Apple Fitness shouting at Siri to change the music whilst my Apple Watch tells me it’s found something on the internet!

 

[Erasmus]

If it really does have two 4K micro-LED screens, in comparison to other microLEDs it will be a bargain at anywhere close to $2K.

Either way, there are a lot of things Apple could do to make these more tempting for their likely high price, such as allowing them to be used in SteamVR, compatibility with existing controllers, in addition to typical Apple functionality.

 

[incoherent_1]

Remember when everyone thought the original iPad was gonna be $1K+?

Exactly. Almost certainly intentional leaks by Apple's PR dept.

If they announced it yesterday at $999, people would scream bloody murder. They leak it'll be $2k+ for months, then suddenly it's announced at $999 and people are thrilled.

Apple's PR department is well known for these kinds of leaks to manage expectations and prime people.

 

[jeffpeng]

Unless Apple has a killer application for these which nobody has yet come up with - which, in all fairness, wouldn't be the first time - these will most certainly fail, no matter if 1K or 2K.

The crowd that buys Apple because it's Apple is much smaller than Apple critics would like to believe. The broad majority buys Apple because Apple gets stuff usually right, usually offers superior build quality, makes things more easy and accessible than the competition, allows mostly seamless integration between devices and offers novelty features. So these would have to have some critical application you simply can't do otherwise, possibly cross-device, and hit home with what they are trying to sell, especially at a 1K or even 2K price point.

Others have tried to sell VR gimmicks and didn't get very far. This needs to be substantial, or it will be a substantial fail. Apple knows that just as well, so maybe there is something big they plan with these. Could be the next big thing. Could be the next trashcan. (However, I really liked the trashcan .... but I'm weird.)

 

[Wanted797]

Remember when everyone thought the original iPad was gonna be $1K+?

Imagine if it came out similar and prices at $249