Kuo: Apple Still on Track to Release Mixed Reality Headset Next Year

[MacRumors]

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously stated that Apple's mixed reality headset would debut in the middle of next year, and in a new note today obtained by MacRumors, the highly-respected analyst is once again doubling down that Apple plans to showcase its mixed reality headset in 2022.

The information we know on Apple's headset is somewhat scarce, but according to one report, the headset will feature more than a dozen cameras for tracking hand movements and two 8K displays equipped with eye-tracking technology. It's important to note that Apple's mixed reality headset is not its more long-rumored AR glasses, being dubbed Apple Glasses which is set to launch in 2025.

Last month, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that Apple is aiming to announce a mixed-reality headset at an in-person event in the "next several months." While on the surface Kuo and Bloomberg are stating different timeframes for the rumored headset, they could be referencing entirely different products.

Bloomberg had previously indicated that Apple's first mixed reality headset will be a high-end, pricey, and "niche" device aimed primarily at developers.

Much like what the company did for its ongoing transition to Apple silicon, Apple may decide to showcase a development headset meant primarily for developers in order to give them time to prepare their apps, and games for the new mixed-reality experience before they are shipped to customers. Kuo, who says a headset would debut in 2022, is likely referring to a mainstream consumer product, instead of a headset meant for developers.

Apple will be holding its Worldwide Developers Conference keynote on June 7 where it will announce updates to all of its operating systems, and although no reports have so far suggested it, new hardware announcements could make a debut as well.

Article Link: Kuo: Apple Still on Track to Release Mixed Reality Headset Next Year

 

[macsplusmacs]

Going to attach an Air Tag to mine!

 

[DanTSX]

I heard that they will look like Geordie’s hairband visor from star treck.

 

[_Spinn_]

I’m curious to see what Apple can do with MR headsets. So far none of the existing ones excite me. I had a chance to play around with a HoloLense and that was pretty cool but I have no practical use for one.

 

[Sasparilla]

This is going to be interesting, considering how this section of tech is a bit of a niche product area without much demand (gaming seeming to be the biggest motivator and even that is a small part of the gaming world).

 

[DanTSX]

I’m curious to see what Apple can do with MR headsets. So far none of the existing ones excite me. I had a chance to play around with a HoloLense and that was pretty cool but I have no practical use for one.

Maybe you can wear them and have an overlay on the new AS iMac so it doesn’t look like a little kid’s toy when using it.

 

[NMBob]

I want a pair of noise cancelling head phones and a pair of reality cancelling eye phones, so I can kick back and watch videos without having to put up with the world around me. An optional isolation tank would be nice too.

 

[DanTSX]

I want a pair of noise cancelling head phones and a pair of reality cancelling eye phones, so I can kick back and watch videos without having to put up with the world around me. An optional isolation tank would be nice too.

Apple Hermès airtags too so you don’t lose touch with reality.

 

[Reason077]

These look like they will make amazing AR-augmented ski goggles!!

 

[DanTSX]

Curious if these can replace a monitor entirely.....

Say if I bought a loaded Mac mini and used these for productivity as a giant virtual monitor.

 

[BeefCake 15]

I need Lasik before they come out to fully appreciate it!

 

[Lemon Olive]

So is MR (Mixed Reality) branding a way to get away from the stigma of VR (Virtual Reality) headsets, which all suck and are just a giant nausea-inducing waste of money?

 

[4nNtt]

It would certainly make sense for Apple to announce this up to a year in advance of release to help developers prepare. It would also make sense to pre-release it for certain niches before a general consumer release. Maybe the pre-release would be a more expensive headset with an M1 (pro version) where the general release might try to hit a lower price. There were rumors of $3000 and $1000 prices for the headset. I could see a $1000 AR/VR device, a gaming focused Apple TV, and maybe the iPad Air hit the same sweetspot for a processor with more GPU than CPU focus. Apple Glass was rumored at $500 which fills the low-end category. $3000 would be reasonable for a professional device and $1000 could get traction in higher-end consumer market. Professional use for for AR/VR developers, corporate custom app use, Final Cut Pro 360 editing, light field rendering, Octane render previews, architectural walkthroughs, etc. could be ready to go almost immediately without the same lead time a consumer release for a non-pro headset would require.

 

[4nNtt]

So is MR (Mixed Reality) branding a way to get away from the stigma of VR (Virtual Reality) headsets, which all suck and are just a giant nausea-inducing waste of money?

Oculus has shown something that is close to a mass market ready device. The nausea is reduced signficantly from where it was and AR and higher quality displays will also reduce nausea. I think once Apple is ready to launch something mass market it will be ready and Apple marketing will sell it as the next big thing.

 

[ElectricPotato]

These look like they will make amazing AR-augmented ski goggles!!

With virtual ski guide Sonny Bono guiding you down the trails! ?

 

[zerologic]

Curious if these can replace a monitor entirely.....

Say if I bought a loaded Mac mini and used these for productivity as a giant virtual monitor.

You can already do this with Quest2... there are several great tools. Check out https://immersed.com for a Mac based solution. There's little doubt in my mind that Apple will make this a priority when the product is released.

 

[Cerethus]

So is MR (Mixed Reality) branding a way to get away from the stigma of VR (Virtual Reality) headsets, which all suck and are just a giant nausea-inducing waste of money?

MR and XR are the all-reaching terms that include AR and VR. And just because VR doesn't work for you doesn't mean it's a "giant nausea-inducing waste of money". That's just ignorant and patently wrong. There are literally MILLIONS of us who use VR every day with ZERO issues. Quit pissing in our Cheerios just because you're bitter.

 

[1258186]

Yet another product I don’t need and don’t want. Thanks Tim, you’re saving me a fortune.

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

Mid 2021 for developers(Bloomberg). Mid 2022 for consumer release(Kuo)....got it thx MR

 

[huge_apple_fangirl]

Why would Apple make something like this? It’s the opposite of elegant and seamless- putting on a bulky pair of goggles.

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

Yet another product I don’t need and don’t want. Thanks Tim, you’re saving me a fortune.

Saving money yes but wasting your time if not interested by commenting here...

 

[Apple_Robert]

At this point, I am rather ambivalent about AR glasses. I really don't see a practical day to day. use for them in my life.

 

[deebinem]

@AngerDanger ...

Nothin'?

 

[deebinem]

You can already do this with Quest2... there are several great tools. Check out https://immersed.com for a Mac based solution. There's little doubt in my mind that Apple will make this a priority when the product is released.

Don't I need a Facebook account to use Quest2?

 

[OasisNYK]

What if they could tell you if someone you are talking to or close in proximity to is not vaccinated or has a criminal record...or they are lying to you? I am trying to think of reasons this tech will take off outside of it can market stuff to you on the screen (not sure that’s a selling feature for many).