While the rumbling about Apple’s planned venture in augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality have gotten louder recently we now have a range of dates for these devices by forecast indicator Ming Chi-Kuo, a good resource with a reliable track record on all things Apple.
In a research note with TF International Securities obtained by MacRumors Kuo stated that Apple will release an MR helmet-type product by 2022, an AR glasses-type product by 2025 and an AR ccontact lens type product by 2030-2040. The Apple forecast indicator didn’t have much to say about the Apple contact lenses, stating that the lenses will take electronics from the era of “visible computing” to “invisible computing”. He added that there was “no visibility ”for the product from now on.
“We predict that Apple’s MR / AR product roadmap will include three phases: helmet type by 2022, goggle type by 2025, and contact lens type by 2030–2040,” Kuo wrote, per MacRumors. “We expect the helmet product to provide AR and VR experiences, while eyewear and contact lens products are more likely to focus on AR applications.”
When it comes to Apple’s MR headset, but Kuo had a lot more to say In terms of size, the analyst stated that several prototypes of Apple’s mixed reality headset weighed between 200 and 300 grams. However, Apple’s apparent goal is to reduce the weight to between 0.2 and 0.4 pounds (100-200 grams), which would make the company’s headset a lot lighter than many existing devices.
It will also be portable, Kuo stated in the report, and have independent computing power and storage. However, this does not mean that it will be really ‘mobile’ at first, like an iPhone. Kuo stated that he expects the new helmet will improve its mobility as technology improves.
G / O Media can receive a commission
The analyst also added weight to the rumor that Apple’s headset will come with advanced micro OLED displays. The company is working with Sony on this, he said, which is contrary to previous reports that stated that Apple worked with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. With the micro OLED displays and various optical modules, the headset can provide both a translucent AR experience and a VR experience.
Now here’s the thing, why should you buy Apple’s MR headset when there are to whatt cheaper options to choose from?
“While Apple is focusing on AR, we believe the hardware specifications of this product can deliver an immersive experience that is significantly better than existing VR products. We believe that Apple can highly integrate this helmet with video-related applications (eg Apple TV +, Apple Arcade, etc.) as one of the main selling points, ”wrote Kuo.
He stated that Apple’s mixed reality headset is expected to cost around $ 1,000 in the US
As for Apple’s AR glasses, which are expected to provide an “optical see-through AR experience,” Apple’s forecast indicator expects to launch in 2025 at the earliest. We’ll see if that works out, as Kuo said he doesn’t think there is a prototype for this product yet.
All in all, those are some exciting predictions from Kuo. Now let’s remember, although he is remarkable source, not everything he predicts comes true. If true, these Apple devices can change the game for AR and VR if they are good.