Apple’s mixed reality headset has reportedly been delayed, again
- Apple's mixed reality headset "Reality Pro" faces another delay, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
- The device, expected to release in September 2023, has suffered from "software bugs."
- Taiwanese manufacturer Pegatron is reportedly "withdrawing" from Apple's headset business, passing development to Luxshare ICT.
- Luxshare is set to be the leading manufacturing partner for the headset, while Foxconn will handle a cheaper second-generation AR headset.
- Apple faces increasing hesitancy from its suppliers, despite repeated assurances that it is optimistic about AR.
Apple's highly anticipated mixed reality headset, rumored to be named "Reality Pro," has hit another delay, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The device, which was originally expected to release in the first half of 2022, was pushed back to a potential spring 2023 launch, but Kuo now says that the headset won't see the light of day until September 2023 at the earliest. Kuo cited "software bugs" as the cause of the delay, though no specific issues were mentioned.
Image credit: AppleInsider
The headset is expected to run on Apple's own "xrOS" operating system and cost around $3,000. However, shipments of the first-generation headset have been "extremely low," according to Kuo, and Apple's suppliers are reportedly becoming concerned about the lack of progress. Taiwanese manufacturer Pegatron, which has assisted Apple in making iPads and iPhones, is reportedly "gradually withdrawing" from Apple's headset business, passing its AR/MR development teams to Luxshare ICT, a joint venture between electronics manufacturer Luxshare ICT and Pegatron.
Image credit: iMore
Luxshare ICT is expected to be the leading manufacturing partner for the Apple MR headset, while Foxconn will handle the cheaper sets for a second-generation AR headset expected to debut in 2025. Kuo's sources suggest that the second-generation headset will come in two versions: a more affordable one made by Foxconn and a higher-end model manufactured by Luxshare.
Despite repeated assurances that it is optimistic about AR, Apple is facing increasing hesitancy from its suppliers. Kuo asked, "Despite repeatedly stating that it is optimistic about AR, why can it not make suppliers willing to continue cooperating with Apple to develop this product?"
Image credit: AppleInsider
The delays in the headset's release may be due to software issues, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Kuo. While the headset's release date has been pushed back repeatedly, Kuo suggests that the saga is starting to feel like a '90s sitcom.
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