Mass production of Apple AR/VR headsets postponed to end of Q3: Ming-Chi Kuo

Apple is expected to launch its first AR/VR headset in 2023 and a more affordable version of the same in 2024 or 2025. There have been several reports and speculation surrounding the product and its features as it will be the first of its kind by the tech giant based in Cupertino. The AR/VR headset was scheduled to be unveiled during the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023 which will be held from June 5-9. However, a recent report hinted at an internal disagreement within the company regarding the wearable device. An analyst now suggests that mass production of the device has been pushed back to the third quarter of 2023.

According For renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s AR/VR headset will likely be delayed further. Kuo now believes the supply chain will massively ramp up device assembly in the middle to late third quarter of this year, August to September.

Due to the delay, Kuo says only 200,000 to 300,000 units will be assembled and shipped this year, down from initial expectations of more than 500,000 units. According to Kuo, Apple isn’t too ambitious on the headphones’ earnings due to its high price tag, estimated at around $3,000 (around Rs. 2.48,000), during an economic downturn. Kuo adds that Apple has also compromised on some specs, such as its target weight, as it ramps up production.

Kuo also asks whether the mass production delays will cause the official announcement of the helmet to be postponed. Bloomberg suggested in an earlier report that the headset would launch in June, during the company’s annual WWDC event. With the recent announcement of the dates for WWDC 2023, the expectation of the AR/VR headset, likely to be called Apple Reality Pro, unveiled at the conference has become firmer.

A few recent reports have suggested that Cupertino headquarters disagreed over some details of the AR/VR headset. The company could use its proprietary Apple silicon chipsets that it uses for MacBooks and launch the headset as a standalone device. Apple could also launch it as a “co-presence” device that will allow users to participate in augmented reality video conferences and meetings.

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