Apple's VR/AR Headset Delayed Again? Source Reveals Shipment by End of Q2

Andi C., Tech Times 06 January 2023, 10:01 am

Apple's VR/AR headset announcement will reportedly be delayed again alongside its shipment in 2023.

The long-rumored and greatly anticipated Apple VR/AR headset release was thought to be near because the augmented reality and virtual reality headwear were reportedly in production.

Rumors revealed that Apple was preparing to introduce a mixed-reality headset at some point in 2023. Apple-affiliated law firms submitted trademark applications for the names "Reality One," "Reality Pro," "RealityOS," and "Reality Processor," in a number of different nations.

Tech Times initially reported that Apple's VR/AR headset would arrive in January 2023. However, an unfortunate development reveals that perhaps its shipment may arrive later than expected.

Real Reason For Apple's VR/AR Headset Delay for 2023

According to acclaimed Apple-focused analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is not expected to be able to ship its long-rumored mixed AR and VR headset until the second half of 2023 due to "software-related challenges" in a recent tweet.

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Apple's AR/MR headset development is behind schedule due to issues with mechanical component drop testing and the availability of software development tools, meaning that mass shipment of this device may postpone from the original 2Q23 to the end of 2Q23 or 3Q23. https://t.co/YitWBWxbRI
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) January 6, 2023

Kuo initially predicted Apple would begin shipping its mixed reality headset in mass shipments by the second quarter of 2023, but after examining the supply chain, he now thinks it will happen in the second half of 2023.

"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)" Kuo said in a tweet.

Due to the delay, Phone Arena reports that Kuo speculates that mass shipments of components for the device will likely be in the first half of 2023 or the second quarter of 2023, but delays will make it likely Apple only ship about 500,000 units. The market, he notes, believes Apple would ship 800,000 to 1.2 million units in 2023.

Apple VR/AR Headset: Here's What We Know So Far

While Apple has shared no official details regarding their upcoming AR/VR headset, several online leakers and Apple analysts have shared updates regarding its production.

However, Apple fans and tech enthusiasts should still take this information with a grain of salt, as Apple is yet to debut its upcoming AR/VR headset.

According to Tom's Guide, here are the known updates regarding Apple's VR/AR headset:

Production on the Apple headset may begin by March 2023.
A new report claims that the Apple headset will come with iris-scanning biometric security.
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has again claimed the headset will arrive in 2023.
Trademarks have been spotted for Reality One and Reality Pro branding, which have been linked to Apple. This implies that there could be a Reality Processor.
The latest report from Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the price for the Apple VR/AR headset will be between $2,000 and $2,500.
If you fancy getting your hands on a cheaper version of the Apple VR/AR headset, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo's saying you may have to wait a couple of years.