Apple fans will be delighted with the upcoming device from the tech company.
The company's rumored mixed-reality headset finally has a release date. According to Macrumors, it is scheduled to launch in early 2023.
What's more exciting is a "second-generation model with substantial upgrades is already in development" for 2024, according to ETNews.
Suppliers of Apple's Mixed-Reality Headset are Preparing for Mass Production
Ahead of the product's launch early next year, it is reported that suppliers are preparing to begin mass production for Apple's headset in the fourth quarter of this year. However, it is expected that the initial production volume will not be large.
According to Macrumors, the display of the mixed-reality headset is to be supplied by Sony and LG Display. The device will feature a micro-OLED display that boasts a thin design plus power-efficiency.
The OLED is applied on a silicon wafer, which is a light emitting part. Since it does not require a color filter, it is smaller, thinner and more power efficient.
In line with previous reports, the device will have 3D-sensing modules from LG Innotek, plus a mid to low specification camera from a China Supplier.
Apple's mixed-reality headset application processor is the self-developed system-on-chip M1. It's operating system is iOS.
While the headset is focused on entertainment and games, it will also effectively serve as a testing device. As a testing device, it will be used to prepare the market for a better, second-generation product.
According to a report by ETNews, the second generation product is already in development and scheduled to release in 2024. It boasts "a lighter design, the ability to make calls, and ultra-high-definition cameras from LG Innotek," according to Macrumors.
Allegedly, Apple plans to make a different augmented-reality and virtual-reality devices from other companies like Meta, Sony, and Google.
The company is after creating a product with better usability, content, and portability.
Read Also: Kuo: Apple Mixed Reality Headset Unlikely To Be Launched at WWDC 2022 - When Can We Expect It?
Apple Has Been Working with AR/VR for Almost 20 Years
Based on patent filings, it appears like Apple has been exploring virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies for almost 20 years.
Moreover, with the exploding popularity of virtual and augmented reality, Apple's tinkering of the idea is becoming more serious. The company is expected to launch its own AR/VR product sometime in 2023.
The company is immersed on at least two AR projects. It include an augmented reality headset, which is set to be released in 2023. A sleeker pair of augmented reality glasses will follow, coming at a later date.
While the two projects have caused some confusion about what's coming when, it's now settled that the mixed reality headset will be released earlier, and it will be followed by augmented reality glasses.
There are rumors that the Apple's AR/VR headset would come out at some point in 2022, during WWDC in June. However, Apple has to overcome some development issues. At this point, it's appears like we won't see the AR/VR headset until 2023.
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