Apple’s second-generation AR/VR headset! 

Rumors around Apple working on an augmented and mixed-reality headset have been on fire since its announcement. According to analysts Kuo, we are about to get the second generation of the device. In his blog post, Kuo explored some of what he has heard about Apple’s plans to develop its new products further once the first version has shipped. However, we do not have a concrete date, even for the release of the first one.   

“The second-generation Apple AR/VR may have high-end and more-affordable models, which will launch in 1H25, and component suppliers will start shipping in 2H24. Apple AR/MR shipments may reach 10 million units as soon as 2025 or 2026, thanks to the second-generation Apple AR/MR product segmentation strategy and ecosystem,” Kuo wrote in his medium blog post.   

He further added that Apple AR/MR shipments may reach 10 million units as soon as 2025 or 2026—thanks to the second-generation Apple AR/MR product segmentation strategy and ecosystem. Although this might sound extravagant for other companies, Apple’s (apparent) commitment to the project might not be fanciful.  

 What does Kuo have to say? 

Kuo is further of the belief that once the first-generation chips, Apple will be working on the second generation of devices that will include a range of models, including more high-end and low-end options to suit a wider set of budgets.  

Considering his blog post, we can expect the second generation of devices will apparently have improved lens modules for each eye. This will contribute to potentially increasing visual fidelity and perhaps allow the designs to shrink down slightly—a key variable for wearable headsets or glasses. Kuo has not specified any dollar pricing, preferring just to say ‘more affordable’ about the second generation. Previous reports have, however, claimed that the first headset will cost around $2,000. 

 What can we expect from Apple’s second-gen AR/VR Headset? 

Here are a few insights from Kuo’s Medium blog post on the second generation of Apple’s AR/VR mixed-reality headset:   

• The first-generation Apple AR/MR Pancake lens suppliers are Genius (main supplier) and Young Optics (second supplier). GIS is the Pancake lens lamination supplier. The above suppliers are expected to be in the second-generation supply chain.    
• The first-generation Apple AR/MR will adopt two 3P Pancake modules (one for each eye). The total cost of the Pancake lenses is about $30–40 (USD), roughly equivalent to 20 high-end 7P lenses. It provides a new growth driver for Apple’s optical supply chain in the medium and long term. The cost of the second-generation Pancake lenses will likely increase to improve the visual experience and form factor design.    
• Largan will likely be a new supplier of the Pancake lens for the second-generation Apple AR/MR headset and expand production capacity for this order in its new Taichung plant.  

 As with most information about Apple’s plans for unannounced products, we may not hear anything from the Cupertino manufacturer for quite some time. However, this certainly makes it sound like Apple’s AR glasses are going to be here to stay once they do arrive

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‘Most Complicated Product Ever Designed by Apple’ 

Reliable supply chain analysts Ming-Chi Kuo dropped the latest release date prediction in a new analyst note. The latest analyst note was first spotted by 9to5Mac and examined growth focused on the VR headset industry. Apple’s long-rumored mixed reality headset will reportedly offer a combination of augmented and virtual reality experiences, according to Kuo. It states that the headset is “the most complicated product Apple has ever designed.” However, its release could potentially fuel ‘rapid growth’ in the market for head-mounted displays.  

 In the note shared on LinkedIn, Kuo further wrote that Apple will be a game-changer for headsets. Although the tech giant has reiterated that its focus is on AR, its AR/MR supporting video see-thru could potentially offer an excellent immersive experience, according to Kuo. As a result, it will boost the demand for immersive gaming/multimedia entertainment.   

An Industry Game Changer 

According to Kuo’s predictions, Apple is about to make a big splash in the mixed reality headset space. He expects Meta, Apple’s main competitor, to take a step back and cut back its near-term investment in VR hardware to focus on its advertising business.  

Kuo further added that Apple and its supply chain will see a favorable stock re-rating in the upcoming years. He added, “Apple is an industry leader with significant competitive advantages and doesn’t need to join the Metaverse Standards Forum now. Once Apple launches its AR/MR headset, its global rivals will attempt to imitate the company’s offering, the analyst said. This will propel the headset hardware industry to the next stage of rapid growth.”   

Apple’s Most Anticipated Product 

This is not the first time Kuo has predicted Apple’s headset release. Several predictions have been poured down the internet previously, offering far wider release windows. In 2021, Kuo said we might see the headset released at some point in 2022—which seems unlikely now. Recently in June 2022, he predicted that we can anticipate a release of the AR/VR headset at some point in the second quarter of 2023. Although this does not guarantee a January announcement since Apple’s plans could probably change or Kuo’s supply chain sources could downgrade, listing a specific month establishes a strong show of confidence from the analyst.  

Moreover, the prediction coincides with several reported activities around the headset at Apple. The company’s board of directors reportedly tested the headset in early May 2022. This was confirmed by mentions of the headset’s RealityOS software cropping up in Apple’s code and appearing in trademark applications. In fact, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook recently teased upcoming augmented reality announcements.  

Over the years, numerous reports have attempted to shed light on Apple’s intriguing headset. The gadget will work as a standalone device rather than needing to be tethered to a PC. It could also have as many cameras as possible to track its movement. Internally, the headset will have a processor with a similar amount of processing power to M1 chips that are becoming common in recent Macs. However, when it comes to power, it is unclear whether its battery will be wearable on the user’s body or built into the headset itself.  

Read Also : Facebook Pay Officially Becomes ‘Meta Pay’; A Digital Wallet for its Version of Metaverse

Anwesha Mishra

Anwesha has been a creative writer for a while. Currently, on her pursuit of tech writing, she is diving into the realms of technology to produce better content on the forever-changing world of technology. In her free time, you’ll find her humming tunes of her favourite shows or reading a book.

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Apple is a company that is unrivaled in its strength of branding. The aesthetic vision and continuity that Steve Jobs had are recognizable in every detail of each product. One might hate or love Apple, but there is little debate about the notion that their products are marvels of design. 

Aesthetics, simplicity of use, and power are all synonymous with the gadgets the company comes up with. That is why the news about releasing of the Apple VR headset is so thrilling. One knows it isn’t just going to be mediocre as excellence is the adhered standard of quality. 

Apple has been working on virtual reality, as well as augmented reality tech for over a decade. That is known based on their filed patents. Experts predict that by the end of next year, all of that work is going to culminate in a tangible device. 

We haven’t been so excited since the book of ra came out, and we will tell you why you should be hyped for the Apple VR headset too.

Apple’s Headset – What We Know Up to Now

Officially Apple has not said much about its release plans. However, the renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has put out some pretty detailed predictions. According to him, we will see a head-mounted display in the second quarter of 2022.

The tech components for the device will be supplied by Genius Electronic Optical. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also weighed in with some exciting predictions, saying that we could hear Apple announcing its VR device in the coming months.

That was in March of this year. While we did not hear anything official in the WWDC keynote event, it is not unreasonable to think that these high-level sources have some truth to them. Reports have also indicated that Apple’s VR set won’t be cheap.

It will be a high-end tool that will primarily be aimed at developers rather than the broad public. Surely, premium pricing is not something that is unexpected from the company.

Estimate prices of $1000-3000 dollars have been mentioned around the web, but it is still too early to tell whether that is in the ballpark. All in all, it looks like it is going to be a steep amount.   

Rumored Features – More Than Just Apple VR

Ming-Chi Kuo also stated that the device will not solely be based on VR technology. It is going to have a see-through lens that will allow for augmented reality application purposes.

That would render the Apple headset a mixed-reality tech device, which will also have two extremely high resolution (8K) displays, eye-detection cameras, and capabilities of mapping one’s surrounding objects.

Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that the headset should have a total of 15 optical cameras to combine innovative biometrics, provide see-through capabilities, and map out environments. 

The device should come in at less than 150 grams to allow for a comfortable wearing experience. That means that it won’t be able to house incredibly powerful chipsets.

People who wear glasses will have the option to insert prescribed lenses into the device, rather than mounting it over their pair.

The mixed reality headset will have a CPU and a GPU built-in for allowing limited standalone capabilities. The headset will have to be tethered wirelessly to an Apple device such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to be used to its full extent.

A special SoC will optimize the wireless communication between the devices by compressing and then decompressing the needed video data for maximum efficiency. It is said that the final AR/VR headset development stage has been completed.

Now Apple will likely start to go into the trial production phase. According to the reports, a lighter pair of augmented reality glasses will be released as a follow-up, somewhere around 2023-2025. Those will be intended for the general public.

What Does Apple’s Headset Mean for VR in General?

Apple VR and AR headset is said to be mainly aimed at developers. The idea here is to make sure that app developers have a comprehensive, powerful device for creating AR and VR apps before Apple comes up with consumer devices.

In general, a superb developer device could work to lift the potential of VR apps across the board. One could say that Apple’s mixed reality headset will be a work tool, more than an entertainment device.

Improved VR tools naturally mean that developers will have the means necessary to bring their visions to fruition, thereby creating better and better VR content. 

That is incredible news for pushing virtual reality, as well as augmented reality forward. In the end, it is the consumer who wins as the quality of VR content will most likely increase in quality, quantity, and the multitude of real-world applications.

On another note, if the predictions are going to turn out true, then it is a very strategic move by Apple. The mixed reality headset will allow developers to create a wealth of apps before the consumer-centered AR glasses launch, but what about a consumer VR device? That is up for speculation. Perhaps Apple’s AR headset for consumers will get followed up with a VR one too.

One can sure hope. If not, then the only choice might be getting the highly-priced developer mixed reality headset, or going with devices by other companies. Only time will tell, but we assume that Apple has some tricks up its sleeve for not disappointing its fans.

All in all, the leaked information about the Apple VR are AR headset sounds very promising. Michi Chi Kuo is 76.6% accurate in his predictions, so he very well might be right with the leaked specs. 

Conclusion

The headset will most surely give app developers a vast boost, which will eventually trickle down to more entertainment and functionality for the consumer. One thing is sure – we can’t wait to see what next year will bring for VR tech once the big players like Apple jump onboard. 

How about you? What do you think about Apple’s mixed reality headset and AR glasses? What would you consider a reasonable price for the devices? Please share your comments in the section below, we would love to know what you think!

Author Bio

Thomas Glare is a former game developer, but recently he moved from coding to writing. This gives him a chance to fully express his creativity and spend even more time with his favorite characters. His reviews and hacks get so much attention because Thomas is one of those people who really know what they’re talking about. 

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