Apple's mixed reality headset could still be a long way off

Apple tree'southward mixed reality headset could yet be a long way off — here'southward why

An image of a woman wearing a mock up of Apple's mixed-reality headset

(Epitome credit: Time to come)

Update: Iii things we just learned about the Apple AR headset, and four big unknowns .

Apple may have just launched new MacBook Pro 2021 models and the AirPods 3 at its Unleashed consequence, but it looks like nosotros might have a longer await on our easily for the Apple tree mixed reality headset.

That's co-ordinate to Apple supply-chain expert Ming-Chi Kuo, writing in an investor note seen by 9to5Mac, who claims in that location'll be a delay before y'all can dive into Apple-fabricated virtual worlds. Kuo now says the headset volition begin production in the fourth quarter of 2022, about one-half a yr later than his before prediction of Q2 2022.

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The reason for this delay is apparently the complex blueprint of the headset, combined with Apple's industrial blueprint standards, which are supposedly "much college than competitors' products." Apple has historically prided itself on making acme-notch hardware that's bonny, powerful and easy to utilise. With the rumored headset being the visitor's first attempt at a production of this type, information technology's easy to understand why Apple tree would want to take its time over it.

In add-on, Kuo says that Apple wants to have a full ecosystem of hardware, software and services ready to go alongside the headset. This wouldn't be a surprise, either. Apple is very neat on vertical integration and on ensuring that information technology's simple, and oft sensible, to remain inside its ecosystem. Plus, waiting longer gives developers more than time to fill out any the headset's equivalent of an App Store may be.

Kuo adds that Apple doesn't foresee the headset beingness used just for gaming. While many VR headsets are primarily gaming devices, they are slowly becoming work and productivity tools, besides. Given Apple's headset is expected to price as much as $three,000, it's likely the company expects it to exist used by professionals for work applications, rather than just as an amusement device.

Happily for those of us who don't have very deep pickets, Apple tree may have an alternative AR/VR product in the form of the Apple Glasses. These may not go far until a yr or two after the headset, but they're expected to be cheaper and fabricated for experiencing VR/AR experiences, rather than designing them.

Beyond its three-1000 pricetag, Apple tree's headset has been tipped to feature dual 8K, 4,000DPI displays, plus LiDAR sensors congenital around the exterior to track your position. There may fifty-fifty be a virtual keyboard that you employ with the assistance of a "thimble-like" device worn on your fingers.

However, it'southward not certain yet whether this volition be a standalone device or if it will need tethering to a Mac or iPhone. And of class with a whole year between at present and the outset of production (assuming there are no further delays), much could alter earlier Apple tree's ready to show off the headset to the globe.

If you're hungry for new Apple hardware, though, you're in luck. Bank check out our Apple Unleashed event recap for the details on everything that was launched yesterday.

More than: The new MacBook Pro 2021 has a notch — and I'm OK with it

Richard is a Tom'due south Guide staff writer based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, gaming, sound and whatever else people need communication on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Annals and Creative Bloq. When not at piece of work, he'south probable thinking well-nigh how to mash the perfect cup of specialty coffee.