Apple has been developing its mixed reality headset for quite some time, and recent reports suggest that the Cupertino-based tech giant is close to unveiling the innovative device, which combines augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). The company is expected to present the mixed reality headset at the upcoming annual developer conference, WWDC 2023.
A report from Economic Daily News states that Apple’s mixed reality headset is now in its final sprint and supply chain delivery stage. The Taiwanese publication revealed that GIS, a subsidiary of Foxconn, has been included in the device’s supply chain to provide lens lamination. GIS is already responsible for laminating iPad displays for Apple.
The report also disclosed that GIS is operating a separate and dedicated production line for the lens lamination of Apple’s upcoming headset at its Chengdu plant in China. GIS has announced that it will begin shipping devices related to the metaverse to its customers in Q2 of 2023, which ranges from April to June.
Bloomberg recently reported that Apple is developing various apps to encourage users to adopt the upcoming headset. These dedicated apps span sports, gaming, wellness, and collaboration for the AR/VR headset.
Online speculations suggest that Apple’s mixed reality headset may carry a price tag of $3,000. Rumors also indicate that the company has already started working on a more affordable next-generation headset.
Notable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has stated that the mixed reality headset may be unveiled in Q3 2023, as Apple is “not being very optimistic regarding the market feedback to the AR/MR headset.” The New York Times reported earlier this month that Apple employees were unconvinced by the product due to its price and timing, suggesting a price point of approximately $3,000.
Apple’s mixed reality headset is considered a crucial step towards the company’s larger plan to replace iPhones. The headset is expected to be the first step towards Apple’s highly-anticipated AR glasses. Combining the capabilities of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), the mixed-reality headset resembles ski goggles and aims to replace smartphones.
The mixed reality headset includes a custom SoC (system-over-chip) similar to M1/M2 on the newest Macs, an A16 Bionic chipset on iPhone 14 Pros, and an S7 chip on Apple smartwatches. The advanced goggles will feature custom glasses for customers with prescriptions and a lightweight carbon fiber body.
Apple’s WWDC 2023, scheduled to run from June 5th to June 9th, promises to be the “biggest and most exciting” conference, according to Susan Prescott, Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations at Apple. The event will include the unveiling of the company’s latest versions of iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS, as well as the much-discussed augmented or virtual reality headset.
