Trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo returns with a supposed timeline for Apple’s rumored XR technology.
Respected analyst and Apple research expert Ming-Chi Kuo revealed yesterday that the company will be launching its long-rumored mixed reality headset “mid-2021,” according to a report by MacRumors. This followed by a dedicated AR headset in 2025 and AR contact lenses as early as 2030.
In a research note with TF International Securities, Kuo states that the aforementioned mixed reality headset will cost approximately $1,000 and weigh 200–300 grams; 100–200 grams if Apple can rectify certain technical issues. As rumored in a previous report, the hybrid XR headset will allow for both VR and AR experiences powered via a “mobile” computing device.
“Although Apple has been focusing on AR, we think the hardware specifications of this product can provide an immersive experience that is significantly better than existing VR products,” said Kuo. “We believe that Apple may highly integrate this helmet with video-related applications (e.g., Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, etc.) as one of the key selling points.”
“When the technology improves, we believe that the new helmet product can also enhance its mobility,” added Kuo.
Kuo goes on to reference an AR headset, possibly the long-rumored Apple Glass, which he claims will arrive in 2025 at the earliest. Offering a more portable experience when compared to the Apple Glass, this dedicated AR device will provide an “optical see-through AR experience” that may eventually integrate with the rumored Apple Car.
Kuo predicts that Apple will have consumer-ready AR contact lenses ready by 2030, kickstarting a new era of “invisible computing.”
“We predict that Apple’s MR/AR product roadmap includes three phases: helmet type by 2022, glasses type by 2025, and contact lens type by 2030–2040,” said Kuo. “We foresee that the helmet product will provide AR and VR experiences, while glasses and contact lens types of products are more likely to focus on AR applications.”
For more information on Kuo’s previous reports visit here.
Feature Image Credit: Martin Hajek, IDrop News
