Kuo: Apple Unlikely to Reveal Mixed Reality Headset at WWDC With a 2023 Launch Still Expected

[MacRumors]

Apple is unlikely to announce its rumored mixed reality headset or its new AR/VR operating system at next week's WWDC with mass production of the device still some ways off, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

Render via designer Ian Zelbo​

In a pair of tweets on Tuesday, Kuo said he expected Apple's headset to launch in 2023, and that announcing it too early would see Apple's competitors "immediately kick off copycat projects" and release rival products before Apple's headset hits the shelves.

Kuo's thoughts echo the most recent report by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman in which he played down expectations that Apple would make a "full-blown announcement" of its headset at WWDC.

Signs of "realityOS," the long-rumored operating system believed to run on Apple's mixed-reality headset, were first spotted in Apple source code earlier this year, and rumors of Apple announcing its headset sooner rather than later were stoked at the weekend when a trademark for "realityOS" surfaced, with a foreign filing date deadline of June 8, 2022, just two days after the main WWDC keynote.

However, both Gurman and a practicing lawyer have since said that the trademark filing date deadlines are actually a legal requirement and that their closeness to WWDC is very likely mere coincidence.

Gurman previously reported that the launch of the headset will likely be delayed until 2023 following a plethora of development problems, including issues with overheating from at least one chip on par with the M1 Pro, as well as camera and software challenges.

Mac-related announcements are reportedly more likely at WWDC this year, according to Gurman, with the launch of a new MacBook Air with M2 chip one possibility, supply chain issues notwithstanding.

Article Link: Kuo: Apple Unlikely to Reveal Mixed Reality Headset at WWDC With a 2023 Launch Still Expected

 

[MayaUser]

this twitter account...the way even speak, he always spoke in the past about the products and kept away the childish comments about competitors
This is quote from this account
Just predicting, guessing...lets not forget Apple always release to the market a brand new product category after 6 months or so after the initial presentation. He(whoever he is) also said the next Macbook air will come with M1, the M2 13" Mbp will come at the spring event this year...its clear by now something is fishy since this account appear

 

[Ion-X]

Apple Glass.
$3999.
You’re gonna love it.

 

[Sir Ruben]

I think aside from curiosity most people wouldn't be interested in buying something like this anyway. I'm just interested in seeing the design and the applications for it.

 

[Realityck]

Since no rumor source has commented that these are in production yet, it’s reasonable to assume this is at the earliest a 2023 product.

 

[BenGieCruz]

PS5's VR2 comes out in 2023...... hummmm

 

[Sir Ruben]

I remember when the Apple TV (an actual Smart TV) was 'imminent' lol. Whenever it arrives we'll know about it from the hundreds of thirsty YouTubers who churn out videos with the standard shocked face thumbnails

 

[subjonas]

Disappointing to hear. This is the rumored product that most has my curiosity right now. I’m extremely eager to see how this product will improve upon existing VR/AR products. I think there are a lot of great VR applications/potential for applications beyond games, but it’s had too much difficulty becoming mainstream for whatever reason. And AR has maybe even greater potential but AR headsets are barely even a thing. I'm hoping Apple’s product changes the game and brings both into the mainstream to really see the platforms develop.

 

[Kylo83]

Of course it wouldn’t it’s not anywhere near ready they don’t want another AirPower, also they want a full crowd it will be wwdc 2023

 

[Sir Ruben]

I'm hoping Apple’s product changes the game and brings both into the mainstream to really see the platforms develop.

I think Apple can bring it into the mainstream in the sense that Joe Bloggs will hear about it and understand what AR/VR is all about. As far as everyone owning one though, no. As we know, Apple will charge the maximum it can can possibly charge and squeeze out ever last penny for those profit margins meaning it will be unavailable for a large majority of people.

Even with low cost VR headsets like the Quest 2, Meta are not going to get everyone into the 'Metaverse' unless headsets are virtually free. Facebook only became as popular as it is because any old nugget can sign up to it and start posting rubbish without it costing them a penny.

 

[giggles]

Yeah Apple is last-minute inviting (and during a covid resurgence at that) every tech influencer, every Apple podcaster, every youtuber and his dog to show them the new lock screen in iOS16.

It’s super important that they experience the new lock screen in person.

This will be a totally normal and even boring WWDC, that’s why they’re going out of their way to have press, influencers and some devs there, in a time when not even their employees are there in person most of the week.

Moreover, there will be plenty of opportunities to show off the VR headset in person during the year, it’s not like the pandemic and geopolitical tensions are unpredictable or something. They have every right and every reason to let this in person event go to waste.

I’m with Kuo on this one, keeping competitors from learning details they can already read in the plethora of published Apple patents about the headset (and probably hear from supply chain insiders) is more valuable than demoing it in person to the press or at least kicking off the development of apps for realityOS. There’s always WWDC 2023 for that, it would definitely be good for the headset to go half a year without third party software to speak of.

Again, you’ll hear nothing about realityOS and the Apple Vision headset next week.

 

[DeLaSoul]

Will only be a hit when Apple produces more 18+ content than Facebook Metaverse ?
Oh those were the days. VHS vs Betamax.

 

[44267547]

I think aside from curiosity most people wouldn't be interested in buying something like this anyway.

It’s not like Apple doesn’t already know that.

Obviously it’s going to be with a high price tag, but this type of product is for a very specific demographic where this product will be targeted for the professional and entertainment industry. We don’t know the all of it’s capabilities, but there’s loads of potential here to change the future. I can only imagine the amount of R&D Apple has invested into this headset.

 

[The Game 161]

maybe they don't want another air power situation

 

[giggles]

Imagine being Al Gore’s children and already knowing everything about the headset since their dad got to play with it weeks ago as a board member.

But sure go ahead and believe that Apple would de-escalate the fog of secrecy around the headset to then never speak about it till the end of the year, because “competitors gonna copy it”. Just like they copied the Apple Watch in the months between unveiling and release, amirite.

 

[syklee26]

When is the release of this product become a reality….

 

[senttoschool]

Work from home

Sorry but you can't make something as complicated as a breakthrough VR headset and vrOS when everyone is "working" from home or doing hybrid.

This is why Cook is so adamant about return to office.

Could your customer support rep work from home? Yea.

Could your VR headset team work from home? LOL.

 

[Psychicbob]

Maybe they’ll release the flippers and the snorkel first. The goggles will come later

 

[incoherent_1]

I would expect a rollout similar to the M1 Macs and iPhone here, with a substantial lead time for developers to ready applications prior to the full consumer launch.

In other words, if we don’t hear about it at WWDC, I can’t imagine it’ll go launch fully before the end of the year.

 

[DeLaSoul]

I won't buy it if it doesn't come with a tilt- and height-adjustable stand

 

[Bustycat]

this twitter account...the way even speak, he always spoke in the past about the products and kept away the childish comments about competitors
This is quote from this account
Just predicting, guessing...lets not forget Apple always release to the market a brand new product category after 6 months or so after the initial presentation. He(whoever he is) also said the next Macbook air will come with M1, the M2 13" Mbp will come at the spring event this year...its clear by now something is fishy since this account appear

This is Kuo's own account, confirmed by MacRumors.

 

[Mr. Dee]

I don’t know, but I feel like this is another iPod Hi-Fi/Trashcan/G4 Cube in the making. Oh well, it’s not like they are going go broke if it’s not a hit. Just cancel after a year if it’s a flop, provide 3 years of support or exchange for an iPad Pro. They can then focus all their energies on the Apple Car project.

 

[Bonte]

Will only be a hit when Apple produces more 18+ content than Facebook Metaverse ?
Oh those were the days. VHS vs Betamax.

I don't see why Apple would limit online VR movies, even QuickTime had VR viewing capabilities. That market is completely open to every headset, they just need the demand.

 

[JosephAW]

As long as the wheel kit comes with it

 

[Freeangel1]

Once again. Late to market.

Will we ever see the Apple car? enough people quit the project.