Apple Still on Track to Release Mixed-Reality Headset Next Year: Ming-Chi Kuo

Apple is still on track to release its rumoured mixed reality headset.

According to a new research note from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF Securities (via MacRumors), Apple is still on track to release a mixed-reality headset next year.

In a new research note analyzing lens pricing competition in relation, Kuo says that both companies Largan and Yujingguang will benefit from Apple’s upcoming products with a “new upgrade cycle” coming, including the aforementioned headset.

Kuo says that both companies are working with Apple to develop head-mounted display lenses as well as a 48-megapixel camera. The former will be used in Apple’s mixed reality headset, while the latter will likely find its way into the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

His note to clients does corroborate recent reporting by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who says Apple is planning on announce the headset via in-person event in the next several months.

In March, Kuo claimed Apple would drop an extremely lightweight MR headset in 2022 said to combine the best features of virtual reality and augmented reality products.

Current prototypes apparently weigh between 200 grams and 300 grams, the revered analyst has learned, although the shipping version is said to be only 100-200 grams—assuming Apple can successfully solve the significant technical problems plaguing development.

The device should be a self-contained, standalone accessory powered by custom chips and custom software and feature a pair of high-resolution 8K micro-OLED displays.