Apple’s rumoured mixed reality headset could be delayed until 2023 due to issues with overeating.
A new report from Bloomberg, the headset, which is set to pack multiple displays and an M-series chip inside, is said to be overheating, which could result in a delay in the product’s launch. Issues with cameras and software are also being cited as possible delay-causing headaches.
From the report:
The headset — a high-end device that blends virtual and augmented reality — was targeted for an unveiling at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June, followed by a release later in the year. But development challenges related to overheating, cameras and software have made it harder to stay on track, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private.
That could push the announcement until the end of 2022 or later, with the product hitting shelves by 2023, the people said.
Apple’s first VR/AR headset risks being delayed until 2023 and a planned unveiling at WWDC 2022 could be pushed back after development snags related to overheating, cameras and software. Company is still building support into iOS 16 and many more details: https://t.co/CF5qyluzLE
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) January 14, 2022
The report goes on to present new details about how the headset will work and more:
Apple is planning to focus its 2023 developers conference on building virtual and augmented reality apps for the device, which will have an App Store, according to the people.
It’s also laying other groundwork for the headset. That includes building in support for the device in iOS 16, codenamed Sydney, a new version of the iPhone’s operating system that’s set to be unveiled in June.
That means Apple could still theoretically preview technical aspects of the headset or its software, without showcasing the full device, as early as this year’s developer conference.
The news will come as a disappointment to those both inside and outside of Apple. The launch of a huge new product category was set to define Apple’s 2022 and developers had already begun to consider what they could build for the product.
It’s thought that Apple has been working on this product for multiple years and had originally planned to announce it in 2021, something that ultimately didn’t happen.
