A new report from a reliable tipster indicates that the second-generation of Apple’s VR/AR headsets will launch in 2025. This will supposedly consist of two models.
But Apple still needs to get the first generation on the market, and it’s possible the release date for the product is slipping yet again.
Apple plans two VR/AR headsets for 2025
Numerous leaks and hints — at least one from Apple CEO Tim Cook himself — indicate that the Mac-maker is working on a headset with both virtual reality and augmented reality capabilities. The first is almost certainly coming later in 2023.
And a couple of follow-up models will be out two years later, according to Ming-Chi Kuo with TF International Securities. “Apple’s second-generation AR/MR headset has two high-end and low-end models,” the analyst said in a blog post. “The current launch schedule for both models will likely be in 2025.”
The first word of a cheaper mixed-reality headset from Apple came months ago, but it’s still welcome news considering the first-gen model could cost as much as $3,000.
The specs on either of the versions supposedly coming in 2025 have not yet leaked out.
First Apple VR/AR headset launch might slip again
As for the 2023 model, a recent report indicated that it will be introduced at WWDC23 in June. But Kuo isn’t certain.
He said Friday via Tweet,”The prediction for the mass shipment schedule is unchanged, but the likelihood of Apple’s 1st-gen AR/MR headset release at the spring event is decreasing. Meanwhile, the probability of the headset launch alongside iPhone 15 in 3Q23 is rising.”
This first-gen model — supposedly called Reality Pro — is expected to be packed with high-end features to justify its price tag.
Tipsters say it will sport three high-res displays, one of which will be external. It’ll be powered by a chip on par with the Apple M2 for cutting-edge performance. Many types of sensors will detect the wearer’s surroundings and their hands, and even scan their face.
Put on a Reality Pro VR headset from Apple, and you can expect to see the familiar iPhone user interface rendered in 3D. Users can attend a virtual meeting with another user, with each person realistically rendered. Or play VR games, watch a movie in a virtual theater or even just check their calendar or access websites.
