Kuo: Apple's First AR Headset to Launch in Second Quarter of 2022

[MacRumors]

Apple is aiming to debut its first augmented reality (AR) headset in the second quarter of 2022, according to a new research note from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo seen by MacRumors.

Headset mockup based on a source with direct knowledge of the device (The Information)​

The research report focuses on prospects for key Apple supplier Genius Electronic Optical, and notes that the company will benefit from a number of upcoming VR and AR products from the likes of Facebook, Sony, and Apple.

We predict that Apple will launch AR HMD [head-mounted display] devices in 2Q22. The device will provide a video see-through AR experience, so the lens is also needed, and Genius is also a key supplier.

Apple has been rumored to be working on a pair of AR-related headsets, led by an initial "mixed-reality" device that has variously been rumored to be launching in 2021 or 2022. A sleeker pair of augmented reality glasses is rumored to follow, perhaps around 2025.

As recently as January, Kuo was predicting that Apple's initial AR headset would debut sometime in 2021, but by March he had pushed his prediction back to "mid-2022," more in line with today's report.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also indicated back in March that an announcement about the headset could come in the "next several months," but there has been no sign of such an announcement, and today's WWDC keynote would have been a prime opportunity.

Some of the uncertainty about timing may be related to a potentially lengthy gap between announcement and launch for the AR headset. As a new platform for Apple, the company may want to announce it a number of months ahead of any product launch to give developers time to prepare. Reports have, however, indicated that Apple's first AR headset will be a pricey, high-end device largely targeted at developers rather than the broader public.

Kuo's report today on Genius Electronic Optical also touches on iPhone 13 production, noting that it appears Genius will be the exclusive supplier of wide-angle and telephoto camera lenses for the upcoming iPhone 13 lineup, at least through the end of this month. Apple's other supplier for these components, Largan, is said to have failed to meet Apple's requirements and has been asked to temporarily halt component shipments.

Genius is currently picking up the slack following Largan's misstep, and Kuo believes Genius will ultimately be responsible for 65–70% of shipments for these lens components, up from market consensus of a 40–50% share.

Article Link: Kuo: Apple's First AR Headset to Launch in Second Quarter of 2022

 

[Kulfon]

He already predicted new hardware to launch yesterday

 

[wanha]

I call BS.

It's plausible that the AR headset is announced at WWDC next year but there is no chance that it will launch then.

It makes zero sense for Apple to not give developers any time to get ready for a brand new platform.

Q4/22 is the earliest I could see it hitting the market, but even that might be optimistic.

 

[snow755]

after what happen with today event i would not listed too any more leaks about up comeing stuff

 

[UltimateSyn]

How about those MacBook Pros?

 

[Serban55]

They’re going to launch a brand new platform before WWDC?
I call BS.

presented next year at WWDC with release date 6 months later

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Mr. Kuo: What about the Macbook Pro. We need research notes for 2021. Everyone in Macrumors and on YouTube is just guessing...

Can we talk about a 14" Macbook or the 16" Macbook pro?

 

[Kulfon]

What about Macbook Pro 16" Mr. Kuo?

The one that was launched yesterday? I am getting 14” maxed out and happy with the mini LED screen, it looks awesome!

 

[Serban55]

How about those MacBook Pros?

fall with all about 100% Mac event
Iphone, apple watch and airpods will be in a separate event

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

The one that was launched yesterday? I am getting 14” maxed out and happy with the mini LED screen, it looks awesome!

if that's the case.. order me one too.. I'll zelle the $ to you.

 

[RadioHedgeFund]

It’s not because it doesn’t exist. There is absolutely zero consumer interest in this product category. If there was another company like Samsung would have launched some sort of buggy alpha-type deal to try to get the lead on Apple (See: Galaxy Gear) but they haven’t.

AR has some fantastic applications in an industrial setting but Apple do not make industrial devices: they make consumer technology.

Honestly, when was the last time any of us user AR on our iPhones?

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

It’s not because it doesn’t exist. There is absolutely zero consumer interest in this product category. If there was another company like Samsung would have launched some sort of buggy alpha-type deal to try to get the lead on Apple (See: Galaxy Gear) but they haven’t.

AR has some fantastic applications in an industrial setting but Apple do not make industrial devices: they make consumer technology.

Honestly, when was the last time any of us user AR on our iPhones?

Tim Cook will not be agreeing with you on that. He knows the future relies on AR. Let's be real here.

 

[Kulfon]

Kuo is a bot Too much of his spam lately…especially about the new hardware that was launched yesterday

 

[Serban55]

Kuo is a bot Too much of his spam lately…especially about the new hardware that was launched yesterday

i thought Jon Prosser told that MBP are a given for WWDC...KUO also ? are you sure?

 

[munpip214]

I need this to really #focus

 

[joecomo]

One thing is sure - if it is from Apple it will look nothing like these diving goggles in the picture

 

[transpo1]

Sure hope we get MacBook Pros before then

 

[Stars&Stripes]

Are we going to have to look at that dreadful mockup every time an AR headset rumor comes up? I seriously hope it doesn't look anything like that.

 

[Kulfon]

Nice mask for scuba diving

 

[Kierkegaarden]

Wait, aren’t the AR goggles supposed to have a robotic arm with an iPad at the end? Or am I mixing up rumors?

 

[JPack]

It’s Kuo. He never fails us.

 

[richinaus]

why didn't Apple focus on AR at WWDC and provide us a 3D modelling app native to Mac that runs amazing on the M's and allows us all to develop easily for this headset next year.......

If AR such a big deal, they need the 3D equivelent to Logic and Final cut.

Instead we get consumer crap.

 

[JPack]

Kuo is a bot Too much of his spam lately…especially about the new hardware that was launched yesterday

You’re hopelessly confused.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

why didn't Apple focus on AR at WWDC and provide us a 3D modelling app native to Mac that runs amazing on the M's and allows us all to develop easily for this headset next year.......

If AR such a big deal, they need the 3D equivelent to Logic and Final cut.

Instead we get consumer crap.

That consumer crap what makes Apple billions of dollars every quarter. 💰 🍎

$100+ billion dollar in revenue. That is what Apple and Tim Cook is chasing.

 

[dontwalkhand]

He already predicted new hardware to launch yesterday

They just keep moving the goalposts.