Apple AR headset possible release date just tipped by analyst

Apple tree AR headset possible release engagement just tipped by analyst

(Image credit: Future)

Update: Apple's AR headset could exist powered by 'realityOS.'

The rumored Apple AR headset could arrive as early equally next April, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

"We predict that Apple tree volition launch AR HMD [head-mounted display] devices in 2Q22. The device will provide a video see-through AR experience, so the lens is as well needed, and Genius is also a key supplier," Kuo explained in his new research notation, every bit reported by MacRumors.

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Genius Electronic Optical is a key supplier of iPhone 12 camera lenses, so it wouldn't exist a huge surprise that the company is supplying Apple with lenses for a AR headset.

Apple's VR headset was originally rumored to be named equally a "mixed-reality" device that would launch in 2021 or 2022. Back in January, Kuo predicted that the announcement of the Apple AR headset would come sometime this twelvemonth. Even so, that has apparently inverse with Kuo's research report predicting the launch in the 2d quarter of next yr.

Kuo then stated that the Apple AR headset would go far "mid-2022," which corresponds to his latest written report, seeing every bit the 2d quarter of the yr covers a menstruation from Apr to June.

Bloomberg'south Mark Gurman reported dorsum in March that the release date for Apple'southward first mixed reality headset would come in the "side by side several months." Even so, we would be surprised if anything launched this twelvemonth.

The next major Apple event is expected to have place in September for the likely reveal of the iPhone thirteen lineup. Going by Kuo's study, nosotros'd not expect the Apple AR headset to be revealed then.

Apple VR headset — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

MacRumors likewise reported that if and when the Apple AR headset is announced, there might be a much bigger gap between its reveal and release than usual, seeing as the whole virtual reality concern is an entirely new area for Apple. Doing this would give Apple fourth dimension to get developers on board to make AR apps designed specifically for its headset.

Apple tree'southward rumored AR/VR headset could as well reportedly be an expensive piece of tech — potentially costing $1,000 or more than. But that'due south because it'll reportedly exist targeted mainly at developers rather than an average consumer, much like Microsoft's HoloLens 2 AR headset.

If that is indeed the instance, then at that place's a chance that the Apple VR headset volition be used equally a development platform for Apple to test the waters for the much-rumored Apple tree Glasses. The AR headset could be used to gauge the specific hardware configuration needed to brand consumer AR glasses a feasible proposition, while having developers onboard early could mean a good for you app ecosystem, if an when the Apple Glasses arrive.

Time will tell if this prediction comes to fruition, Simply going by the leaks and rumors so far, information technology looks like AR will play a big part in Apple tree's hereafter hardware. In the concurrently, cheque out our picks for the best AR apps you can try correct now.

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Denise is a news author at Tom's Guide roofing all things tech, gaming software/hardware, streaming, and more. She regularly produces short-grade news manufactures as well as long-form content, including reviews, buying guides, how-tos, and features. When she'due south non live-streaming horror games on Twitch, she can exist institute exploring East London while playing Pokemon Go. She's as well a part-time piano enthusiast and regularly experiments in the kitchen. Y'all tin reach her at denise.primbet@futurenet.com.