Apple will likely announce its mixed reality headset in January 2023, according to tech analyst and Apple watcher Ming-Chi Kuo.
Ming-Chi Kuo made the prediction as part of an analysis of the broader market for virtual reality (VR) headsets, and said Apple’s kit will be a “turning point” that will push competitors to emulate it. to catch up.The device will also boost the demand for immersive gaming and multimedia entertainment.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, who gathers information about Apple’s future products through supply chain checks, Apple’s technology would support “video vision” functionality for a “great immersive experience. “.
“Game changer”
Apple was rumored to announce its headset at its developer conference in June, but the event passed without any mention of an augmented reality device – just a few upgrades to its ARKit. Apple reportedly has an advanced prototype, but isn’t ready to reveal it to the world just yet.
Previous reports have also suggested that 2023 will likely see the release of the headset. Apple recently filed trademarks for its “RealityOS” or rOS. The device will also be equipped with sensors.
Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple’s headset will be a game-changer for existing players, including Sony, Microsoft, Valve, HTC and, in particular, Facebook’s parent company Meta.
“Apple’s AR/MR would be the most complicated product Apple has ever designed, so many existing vendors are also in Apple’s AR/MR supply chain,” said writes Ming-Chi Kuo.
Meta reduces the sails for its VR headsets
Apple’s significant competitive advantages over rivals also mean it doesn’t need to join the recently founded Metaverse Standards Forum, which counts Meta, Microsoft, Alibaba, Huawei, Qualcomm, Sony, IKEA among its members. and Wayfair.
“After the launch of Apple’s augmented reality/mixed reality headset, I believe that Apple’s global rivals will compete to imitate it, which will lead the headset hardware industry to the next stage of rapid growth and benefit services. and related content ecosystem,” Ming-Chi Kuo wrote.
He also notes that Meta is reducing its investments in VR hardware due to the recession. Similarly, Meta reduced its VR headset orders “due to recession risk caused by structural challenges in its core advertising and social platform business (e.g. iPhone privacy policy changes). »
Meta’s current strategy of selling its headsets at a loss is unsustainable given the risk of an economic downturn affecting its core business.
Source: ZDNet.com