A new report from JP Morgan suggests that Apple will release a new VR headset as early as Q1 of 2022.
JP Morgan analyst Yang Weilun (via iMore) claims in his latest note that Apple could end up releasing its AR/VR headset in the first quarter of 2022, with most components being shipped to Apple in Q4 2021.
Like most competing products, this head-mounted wearable will bear a similar design, like Oculus’ various offerings, but its primary specifications will be focused on optics. In short, Apple could incorporate six lenses, a LiDAR scanner, and a ToF sensor to deliver an in-depth AR experience.
Apple’s suppliers could provide the company will all components by Q4, 2021, allowing the technology giant to hold an event early next year.
According to a snapshot of an upcoming DigiTimes report, citing industry sources, Taiwanese manufacturers Pegatron and Quanta Computer are vying for final assembly orders while Foxconn has scored orders for component assembly.
The analyst sentiments are similar to what Bloomberg reported last month. The report detailed that Apple’s AR headset could cost nearly $1,000 USD. Codenamed N301, the headset will be a “pricey, niche precursor to a more ambitious” AR product that is still some time away from launch.
Reportedly, the AR headset has faced a number of development hurdles and Apple is even setting low sales expectations — a clear sign of the uphill task it has of bringing a VR headset to the masses.
