Development issues may have led to a delayed Apple headset launch, with an announcement now expected sometime in spring and a launch in the fall.
- What’s happening? Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has backpedaled on his earlier prediction. He now says Apple’s mixed-reality accessory will be unveiled in spring.
- Why care? Considered the most accurate Apple analyst on the planet, Kuo previously called for an announcement in January 2023. The fact he was wrong about that proves that an Apple headset remains a moving target.
- What to do? You’ll need to wait until the fall instead of the summer to drop a rumored $3,000 on an expensive Apple headset.
Apple headset reportedly facing further delays
Kuo blames this on Apple, saying a long-expected augmented reality device is behind schedule over issues with “mechanical component drop testing and the availability of software development tools.” Read: How to use Apple Maps in AR
Because of that, Kuo no longer expects a January unveiling. “It is increasingly unlikely that Apple will hold a media event for the new device in January,” he said. So when does the influential analyst expect an announcement?
Kuo’s Twitter says it “seems more likely” that an Apple headset will be announced at a media event in spring or at the WWDC23 this summer. The wording suggests he’s not entirely sure about this timeframe, which he says is based “on the current development progress.” Watch: 50 iPhone tips, tricks and hidden features
And what did he predict before?
In June of 2022, Kuo predicted that Apple would hold a special announcement sometime in January of 2023 to unveil its mixed-reality gadget, followed by a release in the second quarter of 2023. He also said Apple would start shipping tools for developers “within 2-4 weeks after the event.“
An Apple headset could be the most complicated product Apple’s ever designed. It’s said to be lightweight, weighing between 150 and 300 grams.
It should combine augmented reality and virtual reality functions, run a new operating system, dubbed xrOS, and use sophisticated hardware like an Apple-designed chip, dual OLED displays providing an 8K resolution canvas, a bunch of internal and external cameras for eye and hand tracking, and more.
Kuo isn’t always correct
Despite changing his mind, Kuo is still a revered Apple analyst. Kuo’s sources are deeply entrenched in Apple’s supply chain, so he’s uniquely positioned to connect the dots and make informed decisions about unreleased gadgets Apple is working on. On the other hand, his timeframes are often off the mark.
In other words, Kuo’s track record isn’t impeccable, so you’re advised to take this report with a grain of salt. However, intelligent minds are confident that the Cupertino company will eventually release such a product.