Apple’s expensive AR headset could ship 1.5 million units in 2023

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Apple VR/AR headset takes big step toward production
Are you looking forward to Apple's expensive AR headset?
Concept: Martin Hajek/Computer Bild

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has once again reiterated that Apple’s AR/VR headset could debut as early as January 2023.

The analyst believes Apple’s augmented reality headset could be “the next revolutionary consumer electronics product after the iPhone.”

Expectations from Apple’s MR headset are very high

Kuo says that among all of Apple’s product launches planned for 2023, market expectations for its AR/VR headset are the highest. He claims the launch will boost confidence in the product category.

The analyst previously said that the lockdown in Shanghai slowed down the headset’s development, causing its launch timeline to slip to Q2 2023. Apple will seemingly unveil the headset in Q1 and then launch it in Q2 2023.

With a rumored price tag of $2,000+, Kuo believes shipments for the headset won’t exceed 1.5 million units in 2023. In the investment note, the analyst says the first-gen headset will be to “verify the existence of market demand.”

This will help boost investors’ confidence, and with improved production and technology, the headset’s cost will decrease over time. The lower price tag will then help improve yearly shipments. Rumors already suggest a cheaper Apple MR headset might arrive in 2025.

First-gen Apple headset will help build the AR ecosystem

Apple supposedly has already showcased the headset to its board. CEO Tim Cook also teased the AR/VR headset during an interview with Chinese state-affiliated media on June 14, 2022.

“I am incredibly excited about AR as you may know, and the critical thing in any technology, including AR, is putting humanity at the center of it,” Cook said. “That is what we focus on every day.”

The company wants to use the first-gen AR headset to build an ecosystem of apps and attract developers. It could then build on it for future iterations of the device.

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