Apple’s new AR/VR headset will be one of the brand’s most important releases in recent years.
But it seems that the Cupertino company was forced to postpone the launch scheduled for early 2023. At the root of the decision are problems related to the software of the innovative equipment.
Apple AR/VR headset expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2023
(6/8)My latest survey indicates that the mass shipment schedule of Apple’s MR headset may delay to 2H23 because of software-related issues (vs. the previous estimate of 2Q23).
— Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) December 4, 2022
There has been a lot of talk about Apple’s AR/VR headset, which risks being the brand’s most important launch in recent years. All because it will be an innovative piece of equipment and could even, within ten years, replace the iconic iPhone.
Everything pointed to the device being launched early next year, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo points to another date. According to this analyst, Apple will have postponed the launch to the second half of next year.
Apparently, the launch delay is due to issues related to the device’s software. Taking into account that this will be one of the most expensive equipment from Apple, the brand cannot take risks and launch the headset without guaranteeing that there are (almost) no bugs. It seems that this phase has not yet been completed, which is dictating the postponement in the revelation.
With regard to the hardware part, everything seems to be well under way. According to rumors released, the device components will be supplied to Apple during the first and second quarter of 2023. And even if this delivery from hardware suppliers meets the original established schedule, software delays may lead to delays in delivery of final units to the market and, worse, in a smaller number than initially foreseen.
Previously, Ming-Chi Kuo said that in an initial phase Apple would make available, globally, between 800,000 thousand and 1.2 million units of this equipment. But due to software issues, that number may be reduced to just 500,000 units available for purchase.
The well-known analyst gives an even darker scenario, stating that if Apple perceives that the period between the presentation and placement of the product in stores is too long, the Cupertino company may also postpone the unveiling of the device.
What we already know about Apple’s AR/VR headset
Little information is known about the technical specifications of this Apple device. Incidentally, not even the name is known, but several rumors suggest that the model may have the commercial designation of Reality One or Reality Pro.
Another piece of advanced information is that the equipment will be powered by Apple’s M2 SoC processor and will run the brand’s xrOS operating system – extended reality operating system.
More rumors point to the device tracking the movement of the user’s head and that it will be equipped with up to 15 cameras. The new headset can also include spatial audio or 3D audio for a more immersive experience.
Bearing in mind that this will be one of the most complex devices built by Apple, its price could be in the thousands of euros, more specifically above 3,000 euros. But there is still no confirmed exact value.
When it is released, this will be one of Apple’s most innovative devices, as well as one of the most expensive, if not the most expensive. But judging by the high demand for the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max, which are among the most expensive on the market, the price should not dissuade a good portion of users.
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