Apple's mixed-reality headset faces another delay, suggests known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo — and this time, Kuo hinted at not one but two possible launch dates for the device. The first reports related to Apple's AR/VR headset surfaced in 2019. These reports suggested that the Cupertino-based tech giant has been planning to create a smart headset for years and has a secret team working on the project. Then throughout 2022, there were rumors about the mixed-reality headset coming out in January 2023, but that seems unlikely now.
On January 6, 2023, Ming-Chi Kuo took to his Twitter to share some disappointing news. Per Kuo, Apple is running behind schedule on the mixed-reality headset's development due to problems with components' durability and the unavailability of software development tools. Kuo writes in his tweet that "development is behind schedule due to issues with mechanical component drop testing and the availability of software development tools." In addition, Kuo predicts Apple will postpone the mass shipment of the headset from "2Q23 to the end of 2Q23 or 3Q23."
Apple May Unveil The Mixed-Reality Headset At Its Spring Event Or WWDC
For those who are catching up, Apple's fiscal year runs from September of every year to September of the following year. Going by that, the end of 2Q23 would be in March. Interestingly, this is when the company usually holds its annual Spring event. Last year, Apple held its Spring event on March 8, 2022, where it released the iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPad Air (5th generation), and the Mac Studio. Apple may announce the product early in March and release it later that month.
On the other hand, if it comes to delaying the headset till 3Q23, Apple could unveil it at WWDC 2023. Although the dates aren't finalized, Apple is expected to organize the Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2023. Every year, the company showcases several software-related developments, including the new versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and other related features. In comparison with the Spring event, revealing the mixed-reality headset at WWDC would give Apple more time to conclude the development to streamline its supply chain.
In December 2022, a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggested that Apple had changed the name of the headset's operating system from 'realityOS' to 'xrOS.' During the initial development stages, the company referred to the operating system as 'realityOS.' However, it decided to include the words 'xr' in the operating system's name to indicate that it combines both virtual and augmented reality. The report also mentions that a shell corporation that goes by Deep Dive LLC has already filed a trademark for the name 'xrOS.' More information about Apple's mixed-reality headset should show up in the coming days.
Source: Ming-Chi Kuo/ Twitter