the device has been delayed and will only be available in the first quarter of next year. The report from Haitong International Securities analyst Jeff Pu also claimed that Apple plans to sell between one and 1.5 million units of the new device in its first year.
Apple's AR/VR headset has been heavily rumored over the past year, with several reports claiming that the company has been working on such a device for a long time. While Apple has been playing its cards close to its chest, that isn't stopping the rumor mills from churning out stories every few days. The multitude of leaks has revealed some interesting aspects of the device, including the fact that it will be powered by the so-called 'realityOS.' However, most of the critical features and functionality of the device are still under wraps.
TF International Securities analyst and reliable tipster Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that Apple is unlikely to announce its AR/VR headset at the WWDC event. He also offered a reason for Apple's decision. Since Apple is not yet ready to launch the device in the market, an announcement at this stage will allow competitors to copy its features and flood the market with copycat devices before Apple can get its product to the store shelves. Kuo also backed up Jeff Pu's earlier claim that the device will likely release next year rather than in 2022.
Apple Will Announce 'realityOS' Alongside The Mixed Reality Headset
A few days ago, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple recently showed off the new mixed reality headset to the company's board , suggesting that the product might be close to launch. So if Apple chooses not to announce the device at next week's WWDC, it might make its debut at the iPhone 14 launch event later this year.
Alongside the new mixed reality headset, Apple is also expected to introduce the so-called realityOS that will power the new device. The company has reportedly ed the 'realityOS' trademark in several countries, suggesting that it could be the name of Apple's new operating system powering the AR/VR headset.
Meanwhile, alongside the mixed reality headset, Apple is reportedly working on a pair of lightweight augmented reality glasses. However, reports suggest that it won't be ready for mass production for at least a few more years. According to earlier reports, Apple's augmented reality glasses may not make their way to the market before 2025.
Source: Ming-Chi Kuo/Twitter