Apple’s AR/VR headset development has reportedly hit another setback. As a result, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo now predicts Apple will unveil the headset at a spring media event or at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
Rumors so far indicated Apple could hold an event in January 2023 to unveil the long-rumored headset.
Don’t expect media event for Apple’s headset anytime soon
In a series of tweets, analyst Kuo says development of Apple’s AR/VR headset is running behind schedule, primarily due to problems with “mechanical component drop testing and the availability of software development tools.”
These issues seemingly forced Apple to delay mass shipment of the headset. Instead of Q2 2023, the new timeline suggests late Q2 or Q3 as a possible timeframe for the product launch.
With mass shipment delayed, Apple no longer plans to hold a media event in January 2023 to unveil its mixed-reality headset. Instead, Kuo thinks Apple will announce the AR/VR headset at a spring media event or WWDC23. Apple typically holds its annual developer conference in the first half of June.
Apple usually focuses on developer-centric announcements at WWDC, but it has used the event to showcase new hardware from time to time. The company’s headset is not expected to go on sale immediately after the announcement. Instead, there will be a gap of at least a couple of months between its unveiling and availability.
Apple’s mixed-reality headset could feature a waist-mounted battery pack
Leaks surrounding Apple’s AR/VR headset have picked up steam in recent months. Earlier this week, a report in The Information detailed that the headset has undergone numerous changes during the prototype development stage. Unlike initial prototypes with built-in batteries, Apple reportedly resorted to an external battery pack that clips onto the user’s waist.
The headset is tethered to the battery pack via a magnetic connection, similar to MagSafe. Despite the bigger battery, Apple’s upcoming AR/VR headset apparently will not last more than two hours on a full charge. With prototype development over, Apple is now testing the headset for high-volume manufacturing.
